Growth, Global Food Challenges: The Week in Agribusiness

This week, the CIMMYT emphasized the urgent need for investment and diversification in food systems to fight climate change and biodiversity loss. Meanwhile, egg prices in the United States soared due to an avian flu outbreak.

This is the Week in Agribusiness!

The Future of Mexico's Agribusiness and Food Industry

The future of global food security is at risk due to climate change, biodiversity loss, and evolving agricultural needs, making continued investment in agricultural innovation crucial, according to Bram Govaerts, General Director, CIMMYT. The organization emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to combat challenges like crop diseases and declining yields, particularly in Mexico’s corn sector. CIMMYT’s 2030 strategy aims to enhance food system resilience, promote regenerative agriculture, and support small farmers through improved market access and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Advancing Mexico’s Agribusiness With Inclusion, Sustainability

Mexico’s agribusiness sector is crucial for its economic and social development, with initiatives like Plan Mexico aiming to enhance sustainability, boost financing, and strengthen regional integration, according to Altagracia Gómez, President, Grupo Minsa. Key to this growth is the continued importance of corn, a staple crop, alongside efforts to modernize irrigation systems and improve environmental practices, while also addressing social challenges such as food poverty and supporting vulnerable agricultural workers. 

Egg Prices Soar in the US; Mexico’s Supply Remains Stable

The cost of eggs in the United States has skyrocketed due to an ongoing avian flu outbreak, with prices doubling over the past year and reaching a record high of US$7.30 per dozen in February 2025. The crisis has impacted egg production severely, but Mexico's strong domestic supply, unaffected by avian flu, is expected to prevent significant shortages, despite rising prices driven by strong demand. Experts note that Mexico's poultry sector remains resilient, maintaining stable production and ensuring food security amid global challenges.

Mexico Pressured on Vaquita Conservation, Fisheries Regulations

Mexico has made significant progress in its Action Plan to protect the vaquita marina and combat illegal totoaba fishing, completing 82 out of 101 actions, including reducing boat activity in protected areas and implementing long-range surveillance systems. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the continued use of banned gillnets and the need for more effective monitoring of small vessels, with pressure from environmental groups for stricter actions, including potential trade sanctions. Local fishermen, however, urge the government to consider their concerns, suggesting the introduction of sustainable fishing gear and economic alternatives to prevent illegal activities while ensuring the protection of the vaquita marina.

Chocolate Prices Keep Rising

The global cocoa production crisis has caused chocolate prices to surge, with cocoa prices reaching record highs, largely due to adverse weather and climate change in West Africa. In response, Mexico's government has launched the "Chocolates for Well-Being" program, aiming to boost domestic trade by producing chocolates with Mexican cocoa, ensuring fair compensation for local farmers and offering affordable products to consumers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote rural development and food sovereignty, with chocolates and other essential goods being distributed through Well-Being Stores across the country.