Irrigation, Health, and Food Industry Updates

CONAGUA is advancing its National Irrigation Modernization Program to improve agricultural efficiency. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health warned about the health impacts of excessive soda consumption, linking it to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

This is the Week in Agribusiness!

CONAGUA Advances Irrigation Modernization

CONAGUA has announced progress on its National Irrigation Modernization Program, aiming to recover over 2.8 billion m³ of water by 2030 to boost food production while ensuring domestic water availability. The program focuses on modernizing both primary irrigation infrastructure and on-farm systems, including canal lining, automated gates, pressurized irrigation, and land leveling, with an investment of MX$63.1 billion (US$3.72 billion). So far, six projects are underway across 18 irrigation districts in 13 states, with strong collaboration with farming communities and municipal governments to optimize water efficiency and agricultural productivity.

Ministry of Health Warns of Risks of Excessive Soda Consumption

The Mexican Ministry of Health warned that excessive soda consumption is driving high rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy, particularly among children and teenagers who consume these beverages daily. To address the issue, the government plans the Live Happy, Live Healthy campaign and specialists are recommending stronger taxes, such as increasing soda prices by 20%, which could reduce consumption by up to 19% and prevent hundreds of thousands of obesity cases. Experts also propose a broader fiscal strategy targeting the sugary beverage industry, including higher taxes on all flavored drinks and artificial sweeteners, marketing restrictions, and allocating revenues to preventive health programs.

Ministers of Agriculture Address Demand for Animal-Based Foods

Ministers of Agriculture from the Americas met in Peru to discuss boosting animal-based food production, emphasizing food security, nutrition, sustainability, and traceability across the production chain. They highlighted Latin America’s critical role in global food supply, the economic importance of livestock, and the need for science-based innovations and strengthened animal health measures, citing Mexico’s successful containment of the screwworm pest as an example. The meeting underscored collaboration, trade, and support for small-scale producers as essential strategies to meet rising global demand for nutrient-rich animal foods while protecting natural resources.

Tortilla Consumption Drops 6.9% in Mexican Households

Rising inflation in Mexico has reduced tortilla consumption by 6.9% as households reallocate spending toward animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables, despite a 12% rise in incomes and a 6% increase in overall food spending. Tortilla producers, representing roughly 110,000 establishments, have agreed to maintain current prices until December and fixed corn prices under the Food for Well-Being program to stabilize the market. Additionally, the government plans to integrate the Youth Building the Future program into the industry, supporting both employment and price stability while ensuring accessibility of this staple food.

Mexico, Denmark Partner to Strengthen Animal Byproduct Industry

Mexico and Denmark have launched a joint initiative to strengthen Mexico’s animal byproduct industry, focusing on improving certified animal feed quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across more than 260 processing plants. The collaboration includes the First Mexico-Denmark Rendering Forum, regulatory guidance on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), technological innovation, and networking among industry, academia, and government agencies to enhance sustainable processes. This effort reinforces Mexico’s commitment to sustainable agri-food production and positions the country as a regional leader in responsible animal byproduct management under SENASICA’s supervision.