Advancing Mexico’s Agribusiness With Inclusion, Sustainability

The agribusiness sector remains a key driver of economic and social development in Mexico. By fostering innovation, enhancing sustainability, and improving regional integration, the country aims to build a more resilient and competitive food system, explains Altagracia Gómez, President, Grupo Minsa.

“The agricultural sector in Mexico is a key pillar of employment and economic activity, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and businesses,” said Gómez at Mexico Agribusiness & Food Summit 2025.

North America’s integrated agricultural market has demonstrated resilience, maintaining food supply stability even during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical disruptions such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, explained Gómez. To maintain this status quo, Plan México, a government initiative designed to bolster key economic sectors and attract foreign investment, identifies strategic objectives aimed at strengthening the sector. These include increasing agricultural financing by MX$30 billion (US$1.5 billion), expanding cold chain logistics, and promoting cooperatives focused on packaging, processing, and exports. One of the key initiatives is enhancing the designation of origin for Mexican agricultural products, leveraging their unique qualities to boost value and market competitiveness.

One such product is corn, a cornerstone of Mexico’s economy and culture, playing a vital role in both the nation’s diet and its agricultural sector, according to Gómez. Around 90% of Mexicans include corn as part of their basic diet. “In fact, the tortilla, a staple food for millions, provides 58% of the calories consumed by Mexico’s most vulnerable populations,” she said. The grain is also a significant source of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, reinforcing its importance in the country’s food security and nutrition.

Efforts to improve sustainability in agriculture have also become a priority, placing emphasis on irrigation technology and regional agricultural development, ensuring that production growth aligns with environmental preservation. "The agro-industry uses 89% of the available water for consumption. There is a specific program focused on the human right to access water, as well as on the modernization of irrigation systems for a more sustainable approach to agriculture," says Gómez.

The industry spans various regions, each with distinct agricultural practices and challenges. While the north benefits from advanced irrigation and higher yields, production in the south remains significantly lower, at just 2t/ha. “The northern region is technologically advanced, while the south still faces challenges. However, there is available water, labor, and land to support further development,” said Esteban Jaramillo, President, National Chamber of Industrialized Corn (CANAMI).

Infrastructure development plays a central role in Mexico’s economic strategy, particularly in the southern region, where investment in logistics and transportation is expected to drive growth. The Interoceanic Corridor, which will establish a railway link between the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, is designed to reduce costs and improve access to essential goods. Once fully operational, the corridor could also stimulate industrialization, positioning the Gulf as a strategic trade gateway to the United States.

Addressing social challenges is another priority for Mexico. The government has set a target to significantly reduce food poverty, with an emphasis on supporting agricultural workers, particularly women over 60. Programs coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), alongside the Ministry of Welfare, aim to integrate workers into formal labor regulations, improving their conditions and access to social benefits.

The role of technology and financial inclusion is also a focal point. The government has launched a digital transformation agency to streamline administrative processes and expand access to credit. SMEs in the agricultural sector often struggle with formalization, hindering their access to banking services. Initiatives encouraging digital payments and targeted banking development programs are being implemented to bridge this gap, ensuring SMEs receive the support necessary to sustain and expand their operations, says Gómez.