Mexico Moves to Reopen US Cattle Trade, Advance Climate Action

The Mexican government assures that they have nearly eradicated screwworm, investing in major sanitary controls to reopen cattle trade with the US. Meanwhile, SADER and IFAD are working on a national strategy to reduce methane emissions from cattle ranching.

This is the Week in Agribusiness and Food!

Mexico-US Cattle Trade Close to Reopening

Mexico contained 99.9% of screwworm cases over the past year, allowing the country to prepare for the resumption of cattle trade with the US, according to SADER. The government invested heavily in surveillance, inspection infrastructure, sterile fly programs and emergency controls, including a modernized verification point in Veracruz that can process over 50,000 animals per month. However, cattle producers warn that excessive regulation and inspection delays are increasing logistics costs, harming animal welfare and could even raise sanitary risks.

Mexico Advances Plan to Reduce Cattle Methane Emissions

SADER and IFAD presented new tools to build a national strategy to reduce methane emissions from Mexico’s cattle sector, including a baseline study and a roadmap with reduction options. Officials and international organizations emphasized that livestock is Mexico’s main source of methane and that any mitigation strategy must involve rural producers, incorporate “win-win” technologies and move toward regenerative and circular production models. 

Family Farming at the Center of New Food Security Strategy

A new report by WFP, FAO and ECLAC finds that local public food procurement from family farmers can strengthen food security and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean while driving inclusive rural development. The study shows that directing public budgets to small-scale producers boosts income, increases women’s participation and creates jobs, but scaling impact requires addressing structural barriers and linking procurement to broader productive development policies. 

Inclusive Gastronomy: The Path to Food Safety, Sustainability

Mexico has an opportunity to become a global leader in inclusive, sustainable and culturally based food systems, driven by initiatives such as Allergen Free Mexico’s “Feeding Without Excluding” framework and the rise of inclusive gastro-tourism. The model connects tradition, food safety, regenerative agriculture, women’s leadership and international standards to meet growing global demand from consumers with dietary restrictions. Examples from Aguascalientes and collaborations with traditional producers show how Mexico can align gastronomic innovation with public health, climate action and economic development.

Catalonia, Mexico Discuss Steps to Resume Pork Trade

Catalonia President Salvador Illa met in Mexico City with Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué to address the African swine fever outbreak detected in Catalonia and the measures needed to restore pork trade. Both governments emphasized technical sanitary criteria, transparency, and ongoing communication between veterinary authorities to evaluate when exports can safely resume. Mexico suspended imports after ASF was found in wild boars, triggering global trade restrictions on Spanish pork products.