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The Future of Mexican Agriculture: Maiz

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Los Voladores in Papantla Successful agriculture depends on diverse factors ranging from technology and manpower to insects and climate. Some of these are directly influenced by man, the tools and strategies developed and laws put in place, others are less visibly impacted by human kind such as insect and climate patterns. The future success of Mexican crops, particularly maiz, will be impacted by each of these and other circumstances. Campesinos have been successfully farming maiz in central Mexico for millennia. Much of this rich harvest is due to the rugged nature of the maiz plant as it is stronger and more capable of surviving tough situations than other more fragile vegetation. Workers plant and care for corn throughout vast open fields, steep mountain sides, rainy wet environments and dry arid ones. Due to the dynamic nature of maiz it is a part of every group of people, political denomination, faith group, and geographic location throughout Mexico and into other nations as ...
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Effects of Legislation on Trade

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For one who has never been to Mexico it may be unfamiliar the way that their markets and trade systems work. In the big cities and more developed locations it is quite similar to the united states although in the small towns tend to run somewhat differently. These smaller towns tend to depend more on agriculture as a living so many of the citizens of these pueblos are working out in the feilds themselves, then the produce is distributed in a variety of ways. As much of the diet in Mexico includes maiz, natually much of the produce planted, harvested, distributed, and traded is maiz. In local communities much of this maiz goes directly from los campos, or feilds, to the consumers door or to the farmers market. Sometimes the maiz is hauled around and sold by walking down the street shouting out and waiting for the customers to leave their homes and come out to you to pick up their needed produce. This style of trade is a way of life to many of these people though it is seen as a prob...
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Legends of the Past

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Figure at Xochitecatl holding ear of corn.- photo credit Connor Wilcox 2018      Mexico has a rich history of agriculture with insights into the lives of ancient people dating back hundreds of years B.C.E. The principle crop found in paintings and art from ancient times through present day is Maiz. It seems that agriculture was not simply a means for survival but a way of life, A bridge between deity and humanity, a center for worship, and an inspiration for artesians.     Much of the art in ancient America is thought to be religious in nature, most of this art is found at or near pyramids such as Teotihuacan, Cacaxtla, Xochitecatl, and Cholula. Xochitecatl and Cacaxtla are less well known and found in the small state of Tlaxcala, between Puebla and Mexico City. Xochitecatl is the older of the two and is dedicated to the goddess of fertility and flowers (says, 2022). Here we see some of the first art depicting the importance of maiz in the region. The people hav...
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The Life of a Campesino

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          Although Mexico is one of the world's leading producers of corn, central Mexico is a rough and ever-changing location to grow corn. Three of four corn farmers in Mexico live in either Puebla or Oaxaca. Both considered central Mexico where the climate is relentless with sporadic rainfall, unpredictable temperatures, pests and diseases, and intense heat (Gonzales, 2023). Here in these conditions where many poverty-stricken workers uphold the success of agriculture, there are not enough resources to purchase expensive machinery so the land depends on manual labor to be worked; The conditions are harsh and the labor is long. Dia al Dia     Each day these day workers and campesinos (small farmers) work the land sowing, irrigating, treating the plants against damage, harvesting, handling, and transportation of the crops. These farmhands work consistently through the various stages of agriculture and play a vital role in each phase. Because so ...
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Marketing of Tortillas de Maiz

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r El Milagro corn/maiz Tortillas. An example of Mexican agriculture meeting American marketing.         Tortillas have long been a staple of Mexican cuisine and culture. Although other sources including flour and wheat can be used, tortillas de maiz (corn tortillas) are the most common tortilla found in central Mexico in states such as Puebla and Tlaxcala where maiz is grown in nearly every possible site. Each meal is accompanied by tortillas, many of which are prepared in home, if time is short there is sure to be a tortilleria serving fresh tortillas nearby for your convenience. The expansive farming and harvest of maiz for millennia has provided great opportunity for farmers and merchants in Mexico and America alike. Although distinct, the traditions and eating habits of the United States and those of Mexico have created connections and had a meaningful impact on one another.     Originally part of the Mexican diet, tortillas now circulate through t...
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History of Maíz in Mexico

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         The cultivation of ma íz in Mexico has impacted their culture and development for millenia. This crop has been grown in north-central Mexico for over 3000 years. Maiz is a hardy plant capable of being farmed in a multitude of environments. Maiz, along with other crops, have led to growth and expansion throughout Mexico allowing people to live in different areas with distinct weather patterns and soil types. As these ancient people spread throughout the landscape, they all shared a common connection, maiz; the impact of which we can still see today.      From 2017-2019 I lived in Mexico experiencing the culture, lifestyle, and landscape of many central Mexican states. One thing I observed in each location without exception was the production, trade, and consumption of maiz. I spent most of my time in the pueblos, small towns, surrounding the large cities of Puebla and Mexico City. Big to small, maiz affects everything from the ancient Gods...
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About Me

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Hello there! I’m Connor Wilcox, sports enthusiast, travel connoisseur, and investigator of cultures. During my expedition to Puebla, Mexico, I was struck by how farming maiz shaped their culture and culinary practices. I love food and this research was delectable. I’m anxious to share and explore this experience with you.
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