SADER, TecNM to Boost Food Sovereignty Through Innovation

Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the National Technological Institute of Mexico (TecNM) signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen the country's food sovereignty by integrating scientific, academic and technological capabilities into the agricultural, livestock and fisheries sectors.

The agreement, which will remain in force through Sept. 30, 2030, establishes a framework for joint research, technology transfer, technical training and institutional collaboration aimed at improving productivity across strategic agri-food systems. Priority will be given to staple products including corn, rice, beans, milk, honey, coffee, cocoa and tomatoes.

The initiative will leverage the scientific expertise and infrastructure of TecNM's network of 254 higher education institutions, including technological institutes, regional centers and research centers located across Mexico's 32 states. The institutions will work alongside producers, marketers and public agencies to develop technological solutions and strengthen the country's agricultural, livestock and fisheries value chains.

Columba Jazmín López, Minister of Agriculture, said the partnership will help generate innovative solutions to increase agricultural productivity, promote the sustainable use of natural resources and strengthen food security.

"The Mexican countryside faces significant challenges, but it remains alive thanks to the work of producers and the support of government programs," she said during the signing ceremony at the Telegraph Museum in Mexico City. 

The minister added that the alliance will harness the talent of young professionals and the participation of women in rural development while promoting innovation and the development of domestic technologies to strengthen Mexico's agricultural sector.

Ramón Jiménez, Director General, TecNM, said the institution is reaffirming its commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the service of social well-being through projects that support food sovereignty, regional development and the training of professionals aligned with the country's needs.

Under the agreement, SADER and TecNM will establish multidisciplinary working groups composed of researchers, professors, producers, marketers and related institutions. The collaboration also includes training and professional development programs to improve productivity across agri-food systems, as well as mechanisms to formally recognize the skills and practical knowledge of small- and medium-scale producers through accredited technical competencies.

As part of the strategy, the institutions also launched the TecNM National Network to strengthen water-use efficiency and strategic production systems. Nine national coordinators were appointed to lead work on water management, corn, rice, tomatoes, honey, cocoa, coffee, milk and fisheries.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Rocío Mejía Flores, Director General, Financiera para el Bienestar, César Antonio Abarca, Director General for Development and Innovation, SADER, as well as TecNM officials, directors of technological institutes and representatives of Mexico's agri-food sector.