Agri-Food Sector Consolidates as Engine of Mexican Economy: SADER

During the presentation of the Food and Agriculture Outlook 2022 in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), Victor Villalobos, stated that the Mexican agri-food sector has consolidated itself as an engine of the country’s economy. The industry is generating jobs, attracting foreign currency and providing food to the population, emphasized Villalobos.

The outlook is developed by the Agro-Food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP). Patricia Ornelas, Director, SIAP, highlighted that the Mexican countryside is developing, with growth in productivity and agro-food exports to more than 90 countries, as well as a favorable trade balance.

Villalobos pointed out that in 2021, 268.6 million tons of agricultural products were produced, through the cultivation of 21.7 million ha at a national level, which represents a 1.3 percent growth from the previous agricultural year. Moreover, 24.1 million tons of livestock products were produced, 2.2 percent more than the previous year, as well as two million tons of fish and aquaculture products, resulting in an annual increase of 1.6 percent. “These figures are not only positive, but encouraging, and underline the importance of the primary sector for the national economy,” he said. 

During the event, Villalobos recognized the effort of those who dedicate their lives to agriculture. In Mexico, around 5.4 million people work in agriculture, 869,000 are occupied in livestock production, and 101,000 carry out fishing and aquaculture activities. He stressed that the work of producers has allowed Mexico to be recognized as the eleventh producer of crops worldwide. 

According to the minister, Mexico is the seventh largest exporter of agri-food products and, for the seventh consecutive year, it has recorded a positive agri-food trade balance with gains of over US$7.43 billion. 

Ornelas said that Mexico is one of the world's leading producers of avocado and blackberry and occupies second place in green chili, raspberry and lemon production. The country also ranks third in the production of safflower, asparagus, guava and mango. It is placed fourth in strawberry, papaya and grapefruit production, and fifth in broccoli, cauliflower, orange, walnut, cucumber and sorghum.

Furthermore, Ornelas stressed that Mexico also has a relevant role in livestock and fishing activities. “It occupies the fourth place in the world in octopi production, the sixth in poultry and beef carcasses as well as eggs. Mexico is also ranked seventh in shrimp and eighth in sardine production,” she said.

Juan Cortina, President, the National Agricultural Council (CNA), recognized the work of SADER and SIAP. "The country stands out in the world as an important leader in food production and has proven to have a resilient agri-food sector that can adapt to changes and simultaneously continue to grow, despite global challenges,” he noted.