EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – The Mexican government says it will aid cattle growers in three northern states as the ongoing U.S. livestock import ban devastates the industry.

The states of Sonora, Coahuila, and Durango will receive assistance under Plan Mexico, which involves federal investment and technical assistance in industries critical to the economy, President Claudia Sheinbaum said. The goal is to boost internal domestic beef production rather than rely on sending feeder steers to the U.S.

“We will support local meat production,” Sheinbaum said at a recent news conference in Mexico City. “The border is closed, but we have an agreement (with the United States) that we will present when it’s ready. There is agreement on technical markers to reopen (the border) or not.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 9 halted all Mexican livestock imports to the U.S. due to fears of New World Screwworm infestation. The screwworm is a burrowing larva laid by flies in the wounds or membranes of livestock.

Jesus Brigido Coronel, president of Mexico’s Beef Producers Association, told Radio Formula that ranchers are losing $30 million a month since the July 9 ban. He said ranchers are in close contact with Mexican officials negotiating screwworm containment with the United States.

He said talks are focused on increasing the release of sterile flies to prevent clusters of the species from producing eggs. Also, both countries want better control over their herds.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollings was in South Texas this month to outline a sweeping plan that includes more U.S. oversight of Mexican verification activity and better reporting of possible cases. It also calls for locking down animal movement to prevent further spread.