Feed Growth, Labeling Rules, and Seed Innovation

Mexico’s compound feed output will grow 2% in 2025, but reliance on imported grains now surpasses domestic supply. Meanwhile, El Poder del Consumidor denounced that food companies in Mexico exploit regulatory loopholes to obscure nutritional information.

This is the Week in Agribusiness!

Mexico Feed Output to Rise 2% in 2025, Imports Surpass Local Purchases

Mexico’s compound feed production is expected to grow 2% in 2025, reaching 41.88Mt, driven by rising domestic demand for animal protein, according to CONAFAB. However, the industry faces challenges due to increased reliance on imported grains, ongoing drought, and limited infrastructure, with domestic grain purchases dropping 67% in 2024. To address these issues, producers are investing in renewable energy, alternative raw materials, and modern technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

El Poder del Consumidor Calls for Stricter Food Labeling Rules

El Poder del Consumidor reported that several food companies in Mexico are exploiting regulatory gaps in NOM-051 by using illegible warning labels and placing front-of-pack octagons in less visible areas, limiting consumers’ access to nutritional information. The NGO warned that despite the system’s success in reducing the consumption of sugars, fats, and processed foods, harmful industry practices persist and called for stricter regulations to ensure label clarity and transparency. With the third phase of NOM-051 set to take effect in October 2025, stricter criteria on saturated fats and sodium are expected, potentially leading to more reformulations in the food industry.

Seed Industry Calls for New Legal Framework to Boost Innovation

The Mexican Seed Association (AMSAC) urged stronger collaboration with the federal government to develop a new legal framework for seed technology that enables innovation, boosts productivity, and supports food sovereignty. During its 2025 convention, AMSAC highlighted the sector’s participation in programs like Reaping Soverignty and called for wider adoption of improved corn seeds to reduce dependency on imports while addressing trade uncertainties linked to US tariff policies. The association also stressed the need for regulatory support to advance CRISPR-based genetic improvement, warning that without clear guidelines, Mexico risks falling behind in agricultural innovation and becoming more reliant on foreign technologies.

CONAPESCA Boosts Support for Fisheries, Aquaculture

Rigoberto Salgado, National Commissioner of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), is strengthening direct engagement with fishers and aquaculture producers to identify sector needs and develop strategies that boost production and food security. During visits to key regions, he highlighted government programs such as the Special Energy Program for the Aquaculture Sector (PEUA) and nationwide training initiatives on sustainable fishing practices, including the use of turtle and fish excluder devices. Salgado emphasized that expanding aquaculture, which now provides over 50% of global seafood consumption, is critical to supporting employment, protecting marine resources, and advancing Mexico’s food sovereignty.

Mexico to Host National Cacao Meeting in Tabasco

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) will host the National Cacao Meeting in Tabasco on Aug. 28–29 to promote innovation, research, and collaboration in the cacao sector. Organized in coordination with TecNM, UTTab, and other institutions, the event will bring together over 200 participants from 15 states, including producers, researchers, government authorities, and international representatives from Côte d’Ivoire and Costa Rica. The agenda will focus on sustainability, genetic and technological innovation, market challenges, and fair trade, aiming to strengthen cooperation across sectors and advance Mexico’s food sovereignty.