Mexico to Preside Promote Pollinators

Mexico was granted the presidency of the Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators. Meanwhile, CRT aims for 100% of tequila production to be certified as deforestation free by 2027. 

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Mexico Assumes Presidency of Global Pollinators Coalition

Mexico was granted the presidency of the Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators. The operation of the coalition will be under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Netherlands founded the coalition back in 2016 and has presided it since. Sol Ortiz, Director General of Policies, Prospection and Climate Change, SADER, said that Mexico is excited to share the experience it recently acquired through the development of the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators (ENCUSP), which is currently in its implementation phase.

Tequila Industry Aims for Sustainable Growth

The Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) aims for 100% of tequila production to be certified as deforestation free by 2027. The tequila industry has invested over MX$7 million (US$413,799.6) in different projects aimed toward sustainable production. One of the first initiatives was the creation of the Agave Environmental Responsibility Certification (ARA), which became the first to demonstrate deforestation traceability in alcoholic beverages worldwide. Currently, six tequila companies have launched their first batch of ARA tequila, with a production of over 800,000L. 

NotCo to Double Domestic Sales

NotCo aims to double its domestic sales by increasing its product catalog in Mexico. Federico Hirtz, Director General, NotCo Mexico, highlighted that Mexico is currently NotCo’s fastest-growing market worldwide, operating only in retail and in various strategic points of food service, such as Sonora Grill, Starbucks, hotels, among others. In 2023, the company will begin local production of chicken-flavored plant-based products, such as nuggets and breaded cutlet, in Monterrey. 

LATAM, Caribbean Move Toward Sustainable Livestock Farming

Member countries of FAO in Latin America and the Caribbean signed an agreement to promote the transition toward sustainable livestock farming. Since 2020, FAO has supported over 30 projects related to sustainable livestock practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. These projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per kilogram of meat produced, while simultaneously increasing productivity levels. In Mexico, the livestock sector contributes 39.7% of the primary sector GDP. Moreover, it is an important job source and an essential ally to fight malnutrition.

US Requests Mexico to Delay GM Corn Prohibition

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) requested the Mexican government to delay the implementation of changes to the NOM-187, which aims to prohibit the use of GM corn in products intended for human consumption. Additionally, the USDA recalled that Mexico, under USMCA, must provide well-documented and objective scientific evidence related to the prohibition, such as risk assessments, relevant studies and expert opinions that were considered in the development of the proposed measure. 

Empowering Workers by Unleashing Potential of Thriving Sector

According to Juan José Flores, General Manager, Anaberries, a framework of good agricultural practices prioritizes not only the productive chain but also the well-being of the human capital involved. Flores pointed out that workers play a key role in sustainable farming, contributing to the long-term viability of agricultural resources, including soil fertility, water conservation and biodiversity preservation. “By prioritizing human capital and providing the necessary support, training and empowerment to workers, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural industry,” he said. 

Huge Potential, Tough Challenges for the Free From Food Movement

According to Raquel Picornell, CEO, Allergen Free Mexico, the “free from food” market value, which includes vegan and allergen-free products, is estimated to be US$80.84 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach US$150.60 billion by 2028. Picornell calls for better understanding and differentiation between vegan and allergen-free requirements in the hospitality sector to provide safe and suitable options for customers with special dietary needs. “The lax implementation of NOM 051 … and the general negligence of food service outlets, present huge gaps in the way these foods are marketed, representing a deadly concern to people affected by food allergies,” she writes.