Mexican Food Industry Embraces Solar Power

Alfrut implemented a distributed solar generation system at its plant in Zamora. Meanwhile, the primary sector’s productivity and exports market showed annual growth. 

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Alfrut's Solar Energy Venture

Corey Solar carried out the installation of photovoltaic panels at Alfrut's Zamora food plant. Due to energy regulation restrictions in Mexico, the project was divided into two phases, each with a capacity of 499 kW. The first phase covered approximately 13% of Alfrut's machinery energy demands, while the second one fulfilled about 30% of the complex's energy needs. Alfrut and Corey Solar decided to install a watertight solar mounting system to prevent leakages and protect the stored food, the machinery, as well as the company’s investment in the solar energy project. 

Primary Sector Shows Growth in 3Q23

The GDP of the Mexican primary sector experienced a year-on-year increase of 5.3% in September 2023, while agricultural exports saw a rise of 11.4%. SADER highlighted that Mexico ranks eleventh in global food production and stands among the Top 3 performers for avocado, tomatoes, berries, nuts, lemons, mangoes, peppers, lettuce, asparagus, and onions. According to SADER, the 2020-2024 Sectoral Agriculture Program aims to achieve food self-sufficiency, enhancing the well-being of rural populations by connecting small-scale producers and promoting sustainable production practices in the sector. 

Verqor to Tackle Financial Barriers in Agriculture

Mexican fintech Verqor raised US$7.5 million to expand its operations in Mexico. The project aims to create the largest network of partnerships of agricultural suppliers in the country. Verqor's mission is to offer cashless loans to farmers, allowing them to purchase essential supplies like fertilizers, agrochemicals, and organic products. At the end of the crop cycle, farmers pay back the loan with their produce sales. In Mexico, over 90% of farmers lack access to formal financing, which restricts their opportunities to invest and enhance their agricultural endeavors. 

Catalyzing the Green Economy and Sustainability in Mexico

Pamela Orta Galicia, Network Coordinator, BAMX, talks about how BAMX plays a crucial role in expanding the green economy in Mexico and creating sustainable and resilient communities. In addition to providing food to more than 1 million Mexicans each month, BAMX helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing food from ending up in landfills. As a result, the amount of methane, a gas with a much stronger greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide, is reduced. “The work of BAMX Network promotes the path to a more sustainable future with a thriving and resilient economy that benefits business and the world at large,” stated Galicia. 

Drought Will Raise Food Prices in Mexico: CNA

The National Agricultural Council (CNA) highlighted that the droughts hitting the Mexican countryside will lead to a subsequent rise in prices for essential food items, such as sugar, beans, corn, and meat, in the months ahead. However, CNA underscored that there will be no food shortages in the near future, since essential commodities can be easily imported from countries like the United States. According to the latest monitoring report from the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), over 80% of the country's territory is being affected by some level of drought.

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