SADER, FAO Plans for Mexican Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the main drivers of the Mexican economy. This year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) announced actions that will support research centers focused on the field of agriculture and its productive chains. Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) approved new strategies regarding collaboration with the private sector.

Jesús Moncada de la Fuente, the first head of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP), mentioned during the institute’s 35th anniversary that there is an extreme need for support in the agriculture sector for workers and the research being done to boost these types of activities, reports MBN. On that note, during the latest meeting held by SADER, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Víctor Villalobos, said the ministry is developing new strategies involving the National Institutes of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP), the National Institute of Aquaculture and Fisheries (INAPESCA) and Colegio de Postgraduados (COLPOS) to improve collaboration.

Villalobos stated there would be a boost to the supply of materials and use of the genetic wealth available in the country to encourage the development of innovative projects and technology. The minister remarked that Mexico has public goods, such as banks with genetic resources that will allow these plans to advance, according to a SADER press release. Plans like the "International Year of Fruits and Vegetables" and the "Bean and Corn Programs for Mexico" will also be boosted to grow their exposure.

On the other hand, there are also collaborative strategies between FAO and the private sector. With the idea of "not leaving anyone behind," the organization is working on joining forces with the private sector to drive its 2030 agenda, specifically the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (ending poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 10 (reduction of inequalities), as well as improving production, nutrition, environment and way of life. "The inclusive and transparent consultation process carried out in the development of the new Strategic Framework is a way of fostering the feeling of belonging and voluntary contributions later on," stated the General Director of FAO, Mr. Qu Dongyu.

So far, the two initiatives presented are "Hand in Hand," which helps to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development, and other initiatives established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These, according to Dongyu, will significantly benefit from collaboration from both sides, as mentioned in a FAO report.