Big Success in Shrimp Fishing

This was a busy week for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and its dependencies. While COVID-19 is hurting supply chains of different products, the government is determined to continue its efforts to protect and increase production around the country.

This week the government announced a success in shrimp production under a government scheme. It also marked the end of the croaker fishing season and the start of the blue fin fishing season.

In other news, booze sales appear not to have risen as a result of the pandemic.

Ready for more? Here is the week’s most important news!

COVID-19

The Association of Avocado Producers and Exporter Packers of Mexico (APEAM) has reported that after the announcement of Phase 3 of the pandemic, associations of producers and packers have implemented all the measures necessary to maintain the safety of the fruit and their workers.

With production dropping by 35 percent, honey producers have lost an estimated US$82,000. Sales have fallen due to lower demand and logistical issues as a result of the COVID-19 contingency.

During a remote meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Dr. Víctor Villalobos Arámbula, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, stressed that the MasAgro program will continue with the objective to improve food access in the most vulnerable communities of the country.

Cattle farmers in the Isthmus region are fighting for economic survival as they battle the lower demand in the meat market, as well as the risk of a drought. They accuse the government of a lack of support.

Aquaculture and Fishery

Using a new method, a National Commission for Aquaculture and Fishery (CONAPESCA) scheme has been able to produce 205 tons of shrimp from the Huizache-Caimanero lagoon system in Sinaloa. This pilot program will set an example for other systems around the country.

In 2019, Mexican producers exported more than 140,000 tons of fish meal and fish oil. The overall economic value was US$145 million, with export destinations including China, Canada, the US, Japan, Belgium, Denmark, France, Peru and Chile.

SADER has published the number for the catch of gulf croacker in the upper gulf of California and the Colorado River Delta. The 2020 season ended on April 30 with a total catch of up to 4,128 tons.

A quota of 3,268 tons has been established for blue fin tuna fishing by Mexican vessels in the Pacific Ocean.

Other Government Actions

SADER has reported the eradication of the Mediterranean fly in Colima. More than 200 technicians participated in efforts to eliminate the plague that emerged in the port of Manzanillio and threatened to spread to other parts of the country. The fly is a threat to fruits and vegetable exports.

SADER has issued a new norm to promote beekeeping and prevent fraudulent practices in the sale of honey. NOM-044 seeks to curb the presence of adulterated honeys in the market.

The first DICONSA store staffed by women who were victims of violence is now up and running in the municipality of Teapa in Tabasco. Diconsa stores sell government subsidized basic food products in economically marginalized communities.

Other News

Following a series of meetings and agreements between the Confederation of Pig Farmers (CPM) and the Organization of Pig Farmers of the Country (OPORPA), the two associations have agreed to create a new organization that will unify pig farming under one umbrella.

The National Association of Wine and Spirits Distributors (ANDVYL) has reported that the sale of alcoholic beverages has not increased during the pandemic.

USMCA’s enforcement will allow producers in Jalisco to have substantial improvements in tariff conditions, allowing for more favorable terms for exports to Europe.