SADER Urges Innovation to Tackle Climate Challenges

Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of innovation, science, and technology to address the challenges faced by Mexico’s agricultural and coastal regions. Speaking at the forum, Wheat Under Climate Change in Mexico, organized by the International Corn and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Berdegué highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches in mitigating climate impacts on food systems.

“President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo understands the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation. When linked with humanities and social sciences, these tools can improve lives and address the impacts of climate change on agricultural cycles, fisheries, aquaculture, and the entire food system," the minister stated.

Berdagué underscored the importance of prioritization and collaboration in designing effective responses. “We must define priorities not just at the federal level but alongside producers, industry, private initiatives, researchers, and international organizations,” he said. He also highlighted the need for integrated efforts to guide public policy design, stating, “We have to create a dialogue between scientific work and policymaking to align scientific priorities with public policy objectives.”

As an example, Berdegué cited irrigation modernization, a program under the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability. This initiative exemplifies how science-driven solutions can address systemic challenges exacerbated by climate change.

During his visit, Berdegué engaged with small-scale producers participating in the Postharvest for Native Corn event, which focused on postharvest technologies for grain and seed preservation. Producers shared how these technologies have improved their ability to conserve harvests, ensure family sustenance, and generate surplus for market sales.

Additionally, Berdegué also reviewed initiatives aimed at enhancing food security in the face of climate change. These efforts include postharvest innovations that support community resilience.