Mexico to Boost Food Self-Sufficiency Through CIMMYT, AMEXCID

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) signed a Framework Agreement for International Cooperation with the aim to strengthen national sovereignty and expand Mexico’s global presence in agriculture. 

Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Minister of Foreign Relations, emphasized the importance of supporting rural producers through coordinated interagency action and highlighted the role of science and technology in advancing national development goals. “In the face of current challenges, these types of responses are essential for advancing our development plans. They reinforce the objectives outlined in Plan México, particularly the defense of food sovereignty,” he said.

Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, said international cooperation is essential to addressing challenges in rural and coastal areas. “Shared prosperity is also peace. This collaboration joins government capacities to promote peace through inclusive development,” he noted.

The agreement between AMEXCID and CIMMYT enables the launch of a project titled Advancing Toward Integrated Agri-Food Innovation Systems in Mexico. The project will focus on building technical capacity at multiple levels to improve the resilience of agri-food systems in six priority states: Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacan, Morelos, and Puebla.

Alejandra del Moral, Executive Director, AMEXCID, said the partnership with CIMMYT will prioritize skill development among coordinators, technicians, and producer groups involved in the plan. She emphasized that strategic alliances should address national priorities and support vulnerable communities, promote basic food production, such as white corn, beans, rice, and vegetables, and protect the environment while improving rural incomes.

Sarah Hearne, Director of Science and Innovation, CIMMYT, said the project contributes to both national and global objectives by addressing climate change and disruptions in food supply chains. “Thanks to the commitment of these institutions, we are taking a key step in strengthening Mexico’s agri-food systems,” she stated.

The agreements lay the groundwork for technical training, knowledge transfer, and on-the-ground support aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency and strengthening rural economies. Representatives from scientific, technical, and international cooperation institutions attended the signing ceremony.