Mexico Closes 2021 as a Top Agro-export Power

The Mexican agricultural sector has been recognized as an agro-export world power, with agricultural exports reaching 192 countries. In addition, the Mexican government has started developing study projects focused on the effects of climate change on agriculture and how agriculture also affects climate change. 

2021exceeded agri-food trade balance expectations, these include its reach and its development while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental issues. Internationally, Mexico is recognized for having top-level sanitation and food safety protocols which have led the country to position itself as the seventh world exporter of agri-food, fisheries and aquaculture products. 

Part of the achievements obtained this year has been due to the wide international trade network developed by Mexico beyond its traditional exporting markets like the US, Canada and the EU. Currently, there are agreements with 42 countries in Africa, including Algeria, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, which mainly buy wheat, malt preparations, chickpeas, white corn and beer. The country also exports to twenty-three Asian countries, such as Japan, China, Pakistan, South Korea, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Among the main export products are pork and beef, avocado, animal feed and lobsters. Mexico also exports to Australia, New Zealand, Guam, the Fiji Islands and French Polynesia, among others in that region. These countries mainly import beer, tequila, dates, malt preparations and bananas. By 2022 there are plans to further promote exports diversification, these products include .aloe vera, canned tuna, cocoa and chocolate, coffee, chicken meat, dairy products, honey, sauces and vegetables. 

In order to accomplish this,  a greater environmental commitment from the sector´s part is needed since a greater agricultural expansion can damage the environment even more. This is why research to address the effects of climate change on agriculture must continue. According to research, one of the greatest impacts of global warming has been the sustained increase in temperatures. The most noticeable occurs during minimum night temperatures, which affects the physiology of crops. It has also been reported that the optimal current sowing dates will not be the most appropriate in the future due to the change in climate patterns. Hence, research seeks the adaptation of crops to increases in temperature. From these two points, an attempt will be made to develop climate models to project the impacts on crop yields and act accordingly.