Mexico Launches Methane Reduction Strategy for Livestock

Mexico seeks to cut methane emissions from its livestock sector, a key source of agricultural greenhouse gases, through sustainable production practices. The initiative targets both climate mitigation and improved industry productivity.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the international organization Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) are inviting non-governmental, intergovernmental, and other non-profit entities to submit proposals for the project “Implementation of a National Strategy to Mitigate Methane Emissions from the Livestock Sector.” This project aligns with the Mexican government’s policies aimed at reducing deforestation and climate pollutant emissions, while also boosting productivity through financial mechanisms and technical assistance. The National Strategy for Restoration, led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) aims to conserve 17.68% of terrestrial areas and 7.53% of coastal areas, with a target of protecting 30% of the national territory by 2030. Additionally, Mexico has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

SADER’s strategy to mitigate methane emissions is structured around three main components. The first is strengthening technical capacities through Farmer Field Schools (ECAs) to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that help reduce emissions. Second, the program seeks to establish and maintain demonstration sites showcasing sustainable livestock production systems, such as silvopastoral systems. Lastly, it will promote the development of financial mechanisms to support the transition toward sustainable livestock production.

According to data from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions — particularly methane — come from the agricultural sector, with livestock accounting for around 14.5% of that total. Cattle are the largest contributors within the livestock sector, responsible for about 65% of methane emissions. Methane is especially concerning in the context of climate change because it has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide. However, it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period — nine to 15 years compared to CO₂’s 200 years — making methane mitigation a particularly effective short-term strategy for slowing climate change.

Improving cattle diets is one of the most effective ways to reduce methane production in the industry, says Fernanda Vázquez, Professor, UNAM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. She emphasizes that fiber content plays a key role in determining how much methane a cow emits. Diets supplemented with concentrated feed, which are more digestible, lead to lower methane emissions, she adds. In contrast, forage-rich diets tend to increase methane production. 

Pasture management — whether using improved or conventional grasses — can either increase or reduce methane emissions, says Luis Villalobos, Researcher, Universidad de Costa Rica’s School of Animal Science. He adds that while diet is critical, genetic selection of livestock is another key factor. Alejandro Saborío, Researcher, Universidad de Costa Rica, explained that studies in the European Union and the United States have shown it is possible to reduce methane emissions through genetic selection, as some animals inherently produce more methane due to their genetic makeup.

As reported by SADER, Mexico ranks as the world’s fifth-largest producer of live cattle. In 2023, the country produced 2.2Mt of beef, underscoring the sector’s significance within national agriculture. Mexico’s cattle herd totaled 36.6 million heads. The top beef-producing states, in order of importance, are Veracruz, Jalisco, San Luis Potosi, Durango, and Baja California.