Mexican Corn Growers' Exposure to NAFTA

Ryan Shrutik Cutinha

Abstract: Due to excessive tari?s and taxes, the United States, Canada, and Mexico countries had minimal trade, and regional agricultural farmers in Mexico ?ourished through a lack of competition. To combat this and to spur economic growth, US President Ronald Reagan wanted an agreement that led to millions of corn growers in Mexico losing jobs and being displaced due to increased competition from American farmers and cheaper crops. Based on this, there is a proportional relationship between the loss of jobs in Mexico and displacement into new countries, primarily America. The primary purpose of NAFTA was to increase job opportunities in the labor industry and allow cheaper goods to be sold to populations. The ability of Mexican corn farmers to secure lands, and crops, and compete with outside markets is crucial to the Mexican economy and their regional consumers. In the following study, I have discussed what NAFTA is, and how it a?ects Mexican corn growers. The studies in correlation might align with the expansion of competition that will assist in the loss of land and more displacement into cities or new countries.

Keywords: NAFTA consequences, Mexican corn farmers, agricultural displacement, cross-border migration, trade policy and rural economy