Interview: Ulises Robles Gámez, President of CAADES
Ulises Robles Jesus Gamez a grower with 20 years of experience in the sector, was born at Los Mochis, Ahome , Sinaloa. Ulises Robles is actuaally the elected president of the Confederation of Agricultural Associations of the State of Sinaloa ( CAADES ) , after taking protest last March 16, 2016 .
His main objective as president of CAADES is unify criteria to get that all associations of Sinaloa work in the same project management, and support to achieve agricultura of Sinaloa ge its proper perspective nationwide .
- Could you tell us how did your interest in agriculture born?
I am part of a third generation family of growers, my father was a grower in addition to being leader of the Farmers Association of “Rio Fuerte Sur” (AARFS) in the period 1992- 1994 and I personally have 20 years of experience in this activity.
- How has you participated in the agricultural agencies?
I was president of the Farmers Association of Rio Fuerte Sur in the period 2013-2016 and currently as you are aware I was appointed unanimously by the 10 associations that make up CAADES to lead this organization for the period 2016-2019.
- How much influences the collaboration of the organizations in the development of the agricultural sector?
First Sinaloa is a state with a history of horticultural production of at least 100 years accompanied by producer organizations as CAADES with 83 years of experience, which have faced and overcome very great challenges, which in the first instance defines the carácter producer as well as their organizations. Unquestionably our bodies in conjunction with the government have influenced significantly in defining public policies that have to do with our sector and largely determine the conditions for the good performance of our business.
- -What was your reason to seek the presidency of CAADES ?
I learned the importance of these bodies to the good performance of agriculture by my father. The example in my family education was uprightness , honesty and work. I used to think hopefully I would be like my father.
I instilled the sense of belonging and attachment to these growers’ associations ; which are fundamental to our business and that was in the first instance what led me to contribute, try to build and work together with the growers, that eventually led me to get the presidency of the Farmers Association of “Rio Fuerte Sur”.
With the same vision I have the privilege and honor of being in front of the most important body for growersin Sinaloa.
- What do you consider are the main challenges faced by those producers of Sinaloa?
The main challenge for the grains, is to face a very depressed market prices. In particular on April 1st with the report of plantings intentions from USA, prices on the Chicago Board of Trade reached its lowest level.
The Vegetables sector has a competitive advantage with the United States and the main challenge is to continue meeting the antidumping suspension agreement for tomato and meet the market needs in food safety and social responsibility issues.
The grain sector turns out to be the loser in the NAFTA negotiations because of the asymmetries between the two partners, that why is necessary for the government design public policies to compensate it. Against an expectation of lower oil prices and their budgetary implications, we have to work together to implement the existing resources more efficiently and fallon fundamental areas as producer income.
Moreover both grain producers and vegetables sector, need to be more efficient and competitive than ever. Incorpporating production systems that represent savings in time and productivity improvements.
- What role does safety and social responsibility in agriculture?
It is very important because as growers, ensuring food safety is fundamental to the protection of human health and improving the quality of life of the consumers.
And not only towards the end consumer but be responsible with our farm workers and their working conditions, carrying out best practices that positively impact their lives, because they are the ones who allow us to provide quality products to national and international markets .
- What would your main recommendations for farmers in Sinaloa?
Participate actively to identify objectively the most important problems that leads us to make a proper diagnosis and define the action plans to interact more effectively with those involved in our business.
To make that posible we required to strengthen our unity within the sector and of course work in an integrated manner with the rest of the productive organizations and collaborate with the federal and local governments.