Food Prices Dropped in March: FAO

Among this week’s top stories, FAO reported that global food prices dropped 20.5% in March 2023, from a record high in March 2022. Meanwhile, Illinois farmers said that the US should agree to sell non-GMO corn to Mexico.

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FAO Highlights Global Food Price Tumble

The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) price index fell in March and is now down 20.5% from a record high in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The fall in the index reflected lower prices for cereals, vegetable oils and dairy products, which compensated for increases in sugar and meat. Moreover, other factors including a combination of ample supplies, moderate imports demand and the extension of a deal allowing the safe export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, also contributed to the drop.

US Farmers Back Up Mexico’s Decision to Reject GM Corn

Illinois farmers interviewed by Reuters pointed out that the US should agree to sell non-GMO corn to Mexico and noted they could earn a premium for growing more conventional corn. Some US farmers share a complicated relationship with seed companies like Bayer and believe that the GM corn dispute stands up only for big companies and not farmers themselves. Although growers benefit from yield-improving and pest-killing agricultural technology, some are unhappy with consolidation in the sector and the amount of sway the companies have over US agriculture. 

Mexico Will Reduce Glyphosate Imports in 2023

On March 19, 2023, Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) announced a revised annual import quota for two types of glyphosates. In 2023, the quota is set at 4,131 tons of formulated glyphosate and 314 tons of technical glyphosate, which represents a reduction of 50% in comparison to 2022. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide. It was introduced by agrochemical company Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) in 1974 with its best-known formulation: Roundup. 

Mexico to Participate in FAO’s Food Security Platform

Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, met Mario Lubetkin, FAO’s Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, to discuss alternatives to strengthen cooperation, enhance productivity and complementary trade in the region. During the meeting, Villalobos ratified Mexico’s commitment to develop a monitoring health system, as well as carrying out comprehensive actions to address migration in the rural sector and reduce poverty in the countryside.

Berry Boom: The Economic and Social Benefits of Berry Production

In this week’s Expert Contributor article, Juan José Flores, General Manager, Aneberries, explains how the berry industry has had a positive impact on Mexico’s economy and the communities that rely on it as a way of livelihood. Flores points out that at a national level, berries generate more than 470,000 formal jobs at all levels of the production chain. Likewise, the industry has helped improve the health and education of the local communities, as well as impacting gender equality.