Michoacán lime growers still paying criminal “quota” to operate

In Michoacán, Mexico, lime growers in the Tierra Caliente region are still being extorted by criminal groups, according to Guadalupe Mora, local leader of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, in the municipality of Buenavista.

Right now, the extortion fee stands at 2 pesos ($0.10) per kilo of limes. Mora confirmed that while farmers have resumed work, the so-called “quota” remains in place: “They’re working normally again, but the fee is still two pesos per kilo. It hasn’t gone away.”

He also revealed that growers frequently find explosives in their orchards — allegedly dropped by drones. When that happens, farmers notify Mora, who then contacts the national defense authorities to report the locations and request bomb disposal support.

Because of this ongoing threat, local communities stay on high alert in both the lime fields and surrounding dirt roads, where explosive devices may still be present.

source: enfoquenoticias.com.mx

photo: sicarfarms.com