Consumer Behavior Remains Unchanged Despite Warnings

This week, the food industry keeps pushing for sustainable measures in the search for global food security but unchanging consumer behavior sets the sector back. Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shares the advances of its initiatives and programs as it reiterates warnings about the imminent food crises. Mexico also was recognized for its agricultural trade levels.

Interested in more? Here are the week’s major headlines in agribusiness and food!

Sustainability Measures Require Consumers to Play a Larger Role

Mexico held the “Food Security and Climate Change” forum to explore the consolidation of sustainable agri-food production systems under climate change and explore the role consumers play in it, as they remain unaware of the impact that accelerated global warming can have on their living conditions. The effects of limited sustainable practices in Mexico can already be seen, such as the droughts affecting Nuevo Leon. These circumstances were worsened by consumer behavior as massive purchases of bottled water caused shortages and increased prices.

Mexico can develop new sustainable agricultural methods as the fifth mega-diverse country in the world. The country has extensively adapted crops to new conditions thanks to a broad genetic base. However, consumer behavior still requires education and investment. 

FAO Council Meets to Review Plans and Progress

FAO members met to understand where the challenges faced, and deepen partnerships in support of the Strategic Framework and accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems at national and regional levels, said QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO.

Dongyu highlighted the importance of keeping the global agri-food trading system open and ensuring that agri-food exports are not subject to restrictions or taxes. He also outlined the four main avenues for cooperative action. “If we do not act in two years, one billion people will go hungry,” said Hans Hoogeveen, Independent Chair, FAO Council. 

Mexico: A Respected Actor in International Food Markets

During the First International Agroindustrial Forum of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACINTRA), food industry representatives stated that the sanitary strength of our country is based on three pillars: epidemiological surveillance, inspections of agricultural merchandise and the fight against pests and diseases. Challenges include the globalization of trade since the addition of new products increases the risks of pests and diseases entering the market. For that reason, CANACINTRA urged food importers to follow federal government regulations and the general public to avoid introducing uncertified food into the country. Thanks to the country’s legal and technological leadership in food production, Mexico has become an export powerhouse.

FAO and WFP Warn of an Impending Widespread Food Crisis

FAO and the UN World Food Program (WFP) warned of multiple looming food crises driven by conflict, climate shocks and the effects of global warming. The COVID-19 pandemic and massive public debt burdens were exacerbated by the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine, which accelerated the rise in food and fuel prices across the world. The war in Ukraine exacerbated the already steady rise in food and energy prices, affecting economic stability in all regions. The repercussions are expected to be acute in areas where economic instability and spiraling prices are combined with falls in food production.