Mexico's farmers were happy with assistance deals promised by the country's agricultural service following crop-damaging frosts in December, but help is yet to arrive, website Elchilito.com.mx reported.

Agriculture and Livestock Commission chair Cruz López Aguilar told the website the results of negotiations with the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) were fruitful, but the results "now need to become realities, and most of all the delivery needs to be punctual".

He said the two groups would meet with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Jul. 28 to review issues including biotechnology, biofuels and adapting to climate change.

"We want to concentrate efforts to increase strength to both fight for  social contribution so that our producers do not suffer damages as a consequence of climate change," he was quoted as saying.

Confederation of Farmers and the People (COCYP) president José Jacobo Femat criticized the lack of response from senators in passing legislation to solve the problem, website Eluniversal.com.mx reported.

"All we hear from the senators are bitter complaints about the measures taken by the Federal Government to address the weather risks and the Mexican countryside living in misery - hunger does not wait," he was quoted as saying.

He said senators didn't seem to realise the power of the legislature to solve the grave issues facing the agricultural sector, the story reported.

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Source: www.freshfruitportal.com