SADER’s Budget for 2024 Focuses on Welfare Programs: GCMA

GCMA noted that SADER will privilege resources for welfare initiatives instead of productive programs. Meanwhile, SADER will build the first bio-input productive plant in Chiapas.

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GCMA Shows Concerns About SADER’s 2024 Budget

An analysis by the Agriculture Market Consultants Group (GCMA) revealed that the budget allocated to SADER for 2024 is significantly lower than the resources allocated in previous administrations. Additionally, GCMA noted that the government’s actions to increase food production in the country remain insufficient, as President López Obrador’s administration focuses mostly on social initiatives and relegates productive programs. Moreover, the budget project does not include compensatory mechanisms to support export sectors and well-paid jobs in the agri-food sector.

Forest Conservation: Path to a Sustainable World

Jose Armando López Orduña, CEO, Association of Producers, Packers and Exporters of Avocado of Mexico (APEAM) talks about the role of forests toward achieving food security in the world and highlights that sustainable forest management could improve the situation of ecosystem degradation in Mexico. In this regard, López noted that APEAM has a conservation plan for the forests of Michoacan: the state responsible for the largest avocado production in the country. “Our initiative consists of donating endemic Michoacan pine plants for planting ... Among the beneficiaries are producers, ejidos, packing companies, local plant health boards, territories and indigenous communities,” said López. According to the CEO, APEAM has a sustainable vision of the future, where the avocado industry can prosper as it returns benefits to the natural ecosystem that hosts it, thus perpetuating the cycle.

SADER to Develop Bio-input Plant in Chiapas

Through INIFAP, SADER is overseeing the establishment of the first plant dedicated to the production of bio-inputs derived from native strains of bacteria and fungi found in Chiapas. Bio-inputs are meant to become a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals, as they increase microbial biodiversity, improve soil quality, enhance plant resistance to pests and diseases and improve the quality of agricultural products. Moreover, the project will provide workshops, field demonstrations and educational materials for local farmers. 

International Food Prices Drop in August: FAO

FAO reported that international food prices dropped in August, thanks to the reduction in vegetable oils and cereals costs. International prices of globally traded food products showed a monthly reduction of 2.1% during this month and a decrease of 24% compared to the highest price reached in March 2022. However, in Mexico, the cost of basic food products continues to increase. The Minimum Consumption Basket Price Index, which evaluates the prices of 176 products and services that make up the food and non-food baskets saw a monthly increase of 0.75% and an annual rise of 4.16%.

Mexico Authorizes Uruguay for Dairy and Meat Imports

Mexican sanitary authorities approved the entry of dairy product imports from 20 Uruguayan plants until December 2025. Similarly, earlier this year, Mexico had authorized the entry of refrigeration plants and boneless aged lamb and beef imports. Uruguay pointed out that these actions will facilitate the resumption of the trade flow to Mexico for these products, after three years of inactivity. Moreover, the Uruguayan Ministry highlighted that trade will create new employment opportunities and enhance domestic production.