Drones, Tomatoes, and Sustainability Initiatives

Drone use in agriculture is growing at nearly 35% annually. Experts project the market will expand to US$650 million by 2035. Meanwhile, the Mexican government set minimum export prices for fresh tomatoes to protect domestic production.

This is the Week in Agribusiness!

Drones Propel Rapid Growth in Mexican Agriculture

The use of drones in Mexican agriculture is expanding rapidly, with projections indicating annual growth of nearly 36% through 2035, increasing the market’s value from US$39 million to US$650 million. This surge is driven by labor shortages, climate change, and efficiency gains, as drones can spray crops up to 10 times faster than traditional methods while reducing water and agrochemical use. The Autonomous University of Chapingo, in collaboration with DIMASUR and DJI, has trained nearly 3,000 operators since 2022, applying drone technology to over 300 crops, including corn, pineapple, sugarcane, berries, and avocados.

Mexico Sets Minimum Export Prices for Fresh Tomatoes

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture (SADER) and Ministry of Economy (SE) have set minimum export prices for fresh tomatoes to protect domestic production and maintain market stability after the July 2025 end of the US Suspension Agreement on Antidumping. The policy, supported by all exporting producer associations, applies only to definitive exports, with prices such as US$1.70/kg for cherry and grape tomatoes and US$0.88/kg for saladette. The measure aims to sustain agricultural competitiveness, rural jobs, and food sovereignty, with annual reviews to adjust for market conditions.

Grupo Modelo Invests US$10 Million to Restore Aquifers Since 2017

Grupo Modelo has invested over US$10 million since 2017 in aquifer restoration through its Aguas Firmes initiative, replenishing 6 million m³ of freshwater and aiming to double that by 2027 with a US$24.4 million joint project with Coca-Cola. Its sustainability strategy spans water, circularity, sustainable agriculture, climate action, and entrepreneurship, including a 99% return rate for glass bottles in Mexico, net-zero emissions goals by 2040, and regenerative agriculture support for 5,000 farmers. 

UN Mexico Highlights Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Chiapas

Local and indigenous communities from Chiapas are participating in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Gender-Sensitive Inclusive Business Networks, engaging over 1,700 producers in initiatives like shade-grown coffee, beekeeping, and meliponiculture that combine conservation with inclusive economic development. The framework, guided by joint planning with the Mexican government, will coordinate 25 UN agencies on priorities including environment, climate change, inclusive economy, governance, and social inclusion, with cross-cutting themes of gender, youth, indigenous peoples, and human rights.

Mexico Advances Talks on Deforestation-Free Livestock

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture (SADER), together with beef cattle value chain representatives, held the Dialogs for Sustainable Deforestation-Free Livestock to promote production systems that reduce deforestation, forest degradation, and emissions. Supported by GIZ and FAO, the meeting engaged over 40 stakeholders to identify roles, prioritize investment sites, and propose financing mechanisms for sustainable livestock practices. The initiative aims to align Mexico’s livestock sector with global sustainability demands, strengthen resilience, and develop a roadmap for deforestation-free, low-emission production across the country’s 10 million ha of livestock land.