SADER Calls for Unified Efforts to Strengthen Food Sovereignty

Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, urged members of the Mexican Association of Ministries of Agricultural Development (AMSDA) to work together to advance the country’s food sovereignty and support small and medium-scale producers in rural and coastal regions. 

During a meeting with AMSDA’s 32 representatives, Berdegué emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving the development of Mexico’s agri-food sector. He noted that food sovereignty is a central policy goal under the current administration, which aims to ensure the constitutional right to sufficient, healthy, and nutritious food for all citizens.

The minister outlined key initiatives that will continue through this administration, including the four main programs—Production for Well-Being, Fertilizers for Well-Being, Guaranteed Prices, and Bienpesca. These efforts are designed to reduce extreme poverty in rural and coastal areas while reinforcing food sovereignty. New programs will also be introduced, including projects focused on achieving self-sufficiency in non-GMO white corn and beans, improving access to nutrition through Food for Well-Being and strengthening the Liconsa milk program.

Additionally, Berdegué highlighted region-specific projects such as the Campeche and Tabasco Plan for rice and milk production and support for small-scale livestock farming in southern regions. Sustainable fishing and aquaculture initiatives will also be a priority.

These efforts will be backed by scientific research, technology, and innovation from institutions such as the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP), the National Seed Inspection and Certification Service (SNICS), and the National Service for Health, Safety and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA).

Cuauhtémoc Ramírez, President, AMSDA welcomed these initiatives, emphasizing the need to address climate change, promote agroecological agriculture, and improve access to credit for farmers. He reiterated AMSDA’s commitment to collaboration and communication to meet the needs of Mexico’s agricultural sector.