BNSF's Rail Suspension Disrupts North American Grain Trade

BNSF Railway's 30-day suspension of train shipments to Mexico is disrupting US grain imports and prompting concerns from agricultural associations, which have urged US officials to address the rail service capacity issues exacerbated by increased trade and infrastructure challenges. In other news, despite experiencing increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, tequila and other distilled beverages exports decreased by 10.95% in 1H24.

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BNSF Halts Train Shipments to Mexico, Threatening Grain Trade 

BNSF Railway announced a 30-day suspension of train shipments to Mexico, a move that could significantly disrupt the import of grains from the United States. This decision was driven by service interruptions and congestion in Mexico, which have resulted in equipment being stalled south of the border. To alleviate these challenges, BNSF has decided to halt the issuance of new permits for trains bound for Mexico.

SEDEMA Installs 73,000 Rain Harvesting Systems

Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) has installed 73,021 rainwater harvesting systems across the city since 2019. The initiative, part of the Cosecha de Lluvia program, aims to enhance water supply in households with high poverty levels.

Mexico Expands Protected Areas to Over 95 Million Ha 

SEMARNAT and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) have successfully expanded their conservation efforts to protect over 95 million ha of the country's most significant ecosystems. This achievement results from the establishment of 44 new Protected Natural Areas (ANP) over the past six years and the designation of 595 Voluntarily Designated Conservation Areas (ADVC) across 28 states, supported by local ejidos, communities, and indigenous groups.

Agave Industry Enhances Collaboration for Sustainable Production

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), along with agave producers and the national tequila industry, announced an expansion of scientific and technical collaboration aimed at improving satellite, digital, and statistical information management. This initiative is focused on enhancing preventive measures in plant health, genetic improvement, sustainable production, and better planning for agave cultivation.

FAO Launches Rural Women Empowerment Program

FAO unveiled a new initiative aimed at empowering rural women and enhancing environmental sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Rural Women Empowerment and Environmental Sustainability Acceleration Program will be piloted in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Honduras.

Mexico Chosen as FAO Demo Country for Amaranth Value Chain
FAO selected Mexico as a demonstration country to strengthen the value chain of amaranth. This designation is part of FAO’s global initiative, “One Country, One Priority Product,” aimed at recognizing and supporting the development of unique agricultural products.

Tequila, Mezcal Exports Drop 10.9% in 1H24
Mexican exports of tequila, mezcal, and other distilled spirits dropped by 10.95% during 1H24. Europe experienced the largest decline, while there was a significant increase in purchases from Asian countries.