Latin America, Mexico Advance Sustainable Agrifood Strategies

Regional leaders in Latin America push a coordinated roadmap to strengthen the right to food and public policy frameworks. Meanwhile, APEAM formalized a Zero Deforestation Agreement with SEMARNAT and PROFEPA.

This is the Week in Agribusiness and Food!

Latin America Advances Food Security Agenda Amid Global Pressures

The II Ibero-American Dialogue Food First advanced a regional roadmap to strengthen the right to food through legislation, budget allocation and interparliamentary coordination across Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative, led by FAO, AECID and AMEXCID, reflects growing concern over rising food insecurity, higher diet costs and structural inequalities,particularly affecting women,amid geopolitical tensions, fiscal constraints and climate-related pressures. 

APEAM Formalizes Zero Deforestation Agreement with SEMARNAT

Mexico’s avocado export sector is strengthening sustainability compliance through a Zero Deforestation Agreement between APEAM, SEMARNAT, and PROFEPA, aligning with new regulatory requirements that mandate traceability and deforestation-free production since 2019. The framework integrates monitoring systems such as Guardian Forestal and responds to increasing pressure from US retailers and consumers demanding verified environmental standards across supply chains. 

Mexico Eyes Reform to Boost Innovation in Fisheries

A proposed reform to Mexico’s General Law of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture seeks to position technological innovation,such as GIS, satellite monitoring and digital traceability,as a central tool for improving resource management, productivity and market integration, particularly for small-scale producers. The initiative would expand SADER’s authority and builds on ongoing digitization efforts by CONAPESCA, reflecting a broader push to modernize the sector while aligning with international sustainability standards. 

EU–Mexico Trade Deal Unlocks Agri-Food Export Opportunities

Mexico is advancing agri-food export diversification through the Mexico–EU Forum, positioning the new TLCUEM as a strategic tool to expand market access beyond North America and address regulatory and logistical barriers. The updated agreement is expected to grant tariff-free access to over 80% of agri-food products, creating opportunities in a market of 450 million consumers where Mexico currently holds a minimal share. 

Conagra Expands Irapuato Plant With MX$550 Million Investment

Conagra Brands México is investing MX$550 million (US$31.74) to expand its Irapuato plant, reinforcing its manufacturing capacity and supply chain in a key domestic market amid rising demand for packaged foods. The facility, which generates the majority of the company’s sales in Mexico, highlights the country’s strategic role in food production due to its proximity to raw materials and established industrial base.