Julio Berdegué Will Prioritize Food Sovereignty

As Minister of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué will focus on food sovereignty, rural well-being, and sustainable food production. Meanwhile, coriander prices have surged dramatically due to pests, and extreme weather in the past months.

Ready for more? Here is your weekly roundup!

Julio Berdegué Appointed New Ministry of Agriculture

Julio Berdegué, newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) under president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at FAO and CIMMYT, focusing on eradicating hunger and inequality in Latin America. With academic background in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, and ongoing studies in Genetics, Berdegué emphasizes policies promoting territorial cohesion, fiscal equity, and gender equality to address rural development challenges. His priorities include achieving food sovereignty through national production of white corn, tackling the water crisis, and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices amid climate challenges in Mexico.

Cilantro Prices Soar Impacting Producers, Local Businesses

Coriander prices have spiked dramatically due to climate-related factors like hailstorms, drought, high temperatures, and pest infestations, severely affecting supply across Mexico. Market data reveals a sharp increase in prices, with bundles at key markets like Iztapalapa soaring from MX$130 to MX$450, impacting vendors and taquerias heavily reliant on the herb. Producers, particularly in Puebla, cite substantial crop damage from hail and pest outbreaks as primary drivers of the shortage, calling for increased investment in water infrastructure and climate-resilient farming practices to mitigate future disruptions.

Mexico, US Resume Avocado Exports Through New Security Agreement

Mexico and the United States resolved the trade suspension by agreeing on a new security model for USDA inspections in Michoacan's avocado sector. This agreement, crucial for resuming exports, follows a temporary ban due to a security incident involving US inspectors. The discussions also highlighted USMCA's importance, addressing environmental and labor issues critical for sustainable agricultural trade between the two countries.

AI Drives NotCo's Plant-Based Market Growth

NotCo, the Chilean plant-based food company, leverages artificial intelligence through AI to streamline and innovate product development, significantly reducing time-to-market for new offerings. The company recently inaugurated its NotKitchen in Mexico City, combining culinary arts with scientific innovation to cater to diverse international markets and local tastes. With global projections indicating rapid growth in the plant-based sector, NotCo focuses on expanding its presence in Mexico through partnerships with major retailers and restaurant chains, aiming to reshape consumer diets with sustainable alternatives.

Guatemalan Agri-Food Exports to Mexico Exceed US$230 Million

Guatemala's food and beverage exports to Mexico exceeded US$230 million in 2023, marking Mexico as the fourth-largest market for these products from Guatemala. The Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) is prioritizing Mexico as a strategic growth area for 2024, emphasizing exports of confectionery, bakery products, rum, and other items. AGEXPORT's initiatives include enhancing understanding of Mexican distribution channels and adapting export strategies to meet consumer preferences for natural ingredients and innovative food products, aiming to capitalize on Mexico's robust restaurant industry and tourism appeal.