Mexico, Japan Evaluate Agricultural, Maritime Research Projects

To strengthen and renew technical cooperation aimed at facilitating agricultural innovation for sustainable development in food production and raw materials, institutions from Japan and Mexico have joined forces to evaluate maritime and research projects.

Given the impact of climate change on Mexico and Central America, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have agreed to renew their technical cooperation on agriculture, aquaculture, and rural development.

As part of the work tour led by Tesushi Sakamoto, Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), SADER representatives and members of the Japanese company Meiji, held a meeting to learn more about the investment plans for the expansion of a cocoa plantation in Tapachula, Chiapas. In addition, a group of agribusiness stakeholders met with Farmind Corporation, in charge of importing avocados, bananas and citrus fruits.

During a business meeting, the parties involved also evaluated maritime and agricultural research projects developed in regions across Mexico as they addressed issues related to the reactivation of initiatives in silkworm production with small producers and artisans, and cooperation in underwater research at the Sea of ​​Cortes, aimed at exploring the fishing potential and supporting activities of coastal fishermen from Sonora, Baja California and Baja California Sur.

Participants also discussed the construction of artificial reefs in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and aquaponics combined with agriculture, a program in which the universities of Tokyo and Tottori participate with the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR) of Baja California Sur.

The business day concluded with a meeting held by Mexico’s Ambassador to Japan, Melba Pría Olavarrieta; the President of the National Agricultural Council (CNA), Juan Cortina Gallardo; the Governors of Michoacan, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, and of Guanajuato, Diego Sinhue Rodríguez, and with beef and pork producers in Mexico. The objective of the meeting was to detail a business plan to promote Mexican beef in Japan and others strategic markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

MBN recently reported that Mexico constitutes a major food supplier for Japan, with annual exports exceeding US$77 billion. Japan relies heavily on Mexico for products such as corn, pork, tobacco, soy, chicken, wheat, turnip seeds, frozen beef, fresh beef, and coffee. Agriculture representatives also highlighted Japan's role as a crucial destination for Mexican exports, including pork and beef, avocados, agave spirits, asparagus, and bananas.

Last week, Villalobos kicked off its Japan work tour, slated to continue until March 6, as reported by MBN. Leading the Mexican delegation, the minister is joined by representatives from both the public and private sectors. SADER’s mission during this trip is to strengthen bilateral ties with Japan and to actively explore promising opportunities within the agri-food sector.