Mexican Agriculture Goes Green

This week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) started the "#MiParcelaNoSeQuema" campaign to reduce the recurring burning of agricultural land. Mexican agri-food exports report a surplus and the country seeks to promote women’s participation in the agricultural sector through sustainable practices. 

Interested in more? Here are the week’s major headlines in Agribusiness & Food!

SADER to Reduce Recurring Burning of Agricultural Land

SADER seeks to reduce the recurring burning of agricultural land, which often leads to forest fires and is the largest source of black carbon in the world, threatening both human and environmental health. SADER also aims to invest in informative workshops for producers on the various alternatives that exist to this method.

Given the damage the burning of agricultural land represents for producers and ecosystems, the Mexican government launched the "#MiParcelaNoSeQuema" campaign, which stands for “my plot does not burn.” The campaign seeks to promote the use of sustainable alternatives that reduce agricultural burning, such as waste management practices. 

Agricultural Trade Balance For Jan. 2022 Registers a Surplus

SADER announced that in Jan. 2022, Mexican agricultural exports totaled US$3.68 billion while imports totaled US$3.22 billion, leaving the country with a significant surplus. The national products with the highest export value were beer with US$382 million, avocados with US$338 million, tequila and mezcal with US$254 million and tomatoes US$ 239 million. 

Sustainable Agriculture Contributes to Closing Gender Gaps in the Countryside

According to the International Center for the Improvement of Corn and Wheat (CIMMYT), promoting the training and participation of women in agricultural activities benefits the entire society. Of every 100 people responsible for management and decision-making in agricultural production units, only 17 are women but they represent up to 43 percent of the agricultural labor force. If the possibilities for women are expanded based on the new needs of the field, it could be possible to strengthen female participation in the agricultural sector.