INIFAP, Heineken to Boost Sustainable Barley Agriculture

The National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) signed a collaboration agreement with Heineken Mexico to promote sustainable agriculture and efficient water use in different regions of the country. 

The agreement focuses on developing research and technologies in the management of wheat and barley varieties and hybrids, as well as agronomic techniques and training in sustainable agricultural practices. Technical support will be provided to link other national and international institutions, and additional activities such as workshops, short courses, diplomas, and seminars will be offered.

The objectives of the agreement include promoting sustainable rural development, improving competitiveness, and maintaining the natural resource base by working with other institutions and public and private organizations associated with the Mexican countryside.  Additionally, the agreement aims to generate scientific knowledge and technological innovation in response to the demands and needs of agribusiness chains and producers.

Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that the beer production chain and the agribusiness sector are performing positively and adhering to sustainability principles. He highlighted water resource optimization as a key example, noting that the brewery in Meoqui, Chihuahua, uses only 1.8L of water per liter of beer produced. This is a significant reduction compared to the international standard of 3L of water per liter of beer. Villalobos asserted that this achievement demonstrates a major advance in natural resource conservation and showcases the industry's social and environmental responsibility.

Moreover, the minister emphasized that strengthening relationships between farmers, industry, and the government has been key to agreeing on good balances between production costs and the commercial price of barley, benefiting all parties, especially primary activity. "This is proof that teamwork in favor of the countryside, its farmers, and agribusiness can have a positive impact on the environment," Villalobos pointed out.

Luis Ángel Rodríguez, Director, INIFAP, noted that in this new collaboration stage, research lines will be developed to provide new barley varieties tailored to the industry's needs. He highlighted that the Institute has over 60 years of experience, presenting more than 1,200 seed varieties and contributing improved materials to the 54 most important agricultural crops in the country.

Rodríguez emphasized that nearly 100% of the barley currently used for beer production in Mexico are varieties developed by INIFAP, which allowed the country to stop importing seeds from Europe. "INIFAP has the strength and human capital, including specialists and researchers, to generate new varieties of basic grains like barley. Currently, more than 100 crops are planted on over 1 million ha," he said.

Oscar Gálvez, Director of Institutional Relations, Heineken, highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture’s participation in strengthening the productive chain and supporting national producers. He pointed out that 75% of the barley used by the industry is of Mexican origin, with the goal of reaching 95% soon, and strengthening crop systems in different regions of the country.

"At Heineken Mexico, we are aware of the important role that beer plays in the Mexican agribusiness and economy by involving the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Therefore, through various initiatives, programs, and agreements like the one we signed today with INIFAP, we promote sector growth from the field to the bar, always caring for and optimizing the resources we use," underscored Gálvez.

According to Heineken's Brew a Better World strategy, the company aims to use 2.6L of water per liter of beer produced in water-stressed areas and 2.9L in other breweries by 2030. Furthermore, the company plans to maximize water reuse and recycling in water-stressed areas and treat all wastewater in its production plants. Other goals for 2030 include sourcing 100% of barley from sustainable sources, achieving zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, reducing Scope 3 emissions by 21%, sending zero waste to landfills, and revalorizing waste within the production chain.