ABSTRACT
The agricultural segments of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) set out a system of quotas, tariffs, quota-and-tariff combinations, and the progressive elimination of all barriers to agricultural products. The first major consequence of NAFTA was an increase in Mexico’s dependence on foreign sources for its basic food needs. Mexico has a possibility of establishing a moratorium and renegotiating the agricultural aspects of NAFTA in accordance with its Constitution, international law, and even Chapter VIII of NAFTA. Mexican cattle farmers face the dumping practices of United Stats United States exporters, the tolerance of contraband by Mexican authorities, the disregard for quota limits, and low input prices enjoyed by their United States competitors. A restructured rural sector should be able to produce healthy and accessible foods for all Mexicans, guarantee the nation’s food security, and treat people's peasant brothers and sisters as priority agents in a process of inclusive development.
