Industry Leaders Convene to Enhance Dairy Sector

In a collaborative effort to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Mexico's dairy sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), along with the National Chamber of Milk Producers (CANILEC), the Mexican Association of Milk Producers (AMLAC), and the Mexican Dairy Federation (FEMELECHE) recently convened a pivotal meeting.

Chaired by Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture, the meeting emphasized the crucial role of milk and dairy products in human nutrition, underscored by their national and international recognition by health and regulatory authorities. Villalobos highlighted the necessity of devising a unified strategy to safeguard dairy production activities, emphasizing their impact on public health and nutrition.

Representatives addressed challenges, issues, and opportunities facing the dairy sector. Notably, milk and its derivatives represent the fourth-largest productive activity of Mexico's food industry GDP, generating numerous employment opportunities and enhancing rural livelihoods. According to the Agricultural Information and Fisheries Service (SIAP), Mexico reported production of 13,105 million L of milk in 2022, marking a 2% increase compared to 2021. SADER highlighted that the sector has maintained a steady annual growth rate of 2% over the past decade.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasized the nutritional significance of milk and other dairy products, citing their dense nutrient content and their role in diversifying children's diets. Additionally, FAO stressed milk's contribution to food security and poverty reduction globally.