SADER’s New Administration Will Pursue Food Sovereignty

Over the next six years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) will prioritize achieving food sovereignty by boosting production, adapting to climate change, and preserving ecosystems. Central to this effort is the alliance with international organizations like FAO, aimed at enhancing food security and promoting sustainable rural development in Mexico.

Julio Berdegué, new Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that achieving the administration's goals will require improving the livelihoods of rural and coastal populations, focusing on small-scale producers and day laborers. "One of the government's top priorities is to eradicate extreme poverty in rural areas, aiming to reduce it to less than 2% by the end of the term," he said.

The Minister highlighted the importance of improving water use and management in agriculture through an integrated approach that combines technological innovation and territorial planning. Currently, 75% of the country's available water is used for livestock and agriculture, but up to 60% is lost due to inefficient irrigation systems. To tackle this, irrigation on 6 million ha will be modernized. Additionally, Berdegué stressed the urgency of adapting to climate change by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops and conservation methods to protect soils and ecosystems.

This administration will ensure self-sufficiency in white corn and beans while increasing production of other crops through innovation, science, and technology. In this regard, the Alimentación para el Bienestar (Food for Well-Being) program will boost production and improve grain prices by purchasing crops from small producers at guaranteed prices. Moreover, the Cosechando Soberanía (Harvesting Sovereignty) productive program will offer comprehensive support to small and medium-scale farmers and livestock producers nationwide. "They will receive agroecological technical assistance, marketing support to sell directly to buyers without going through intermediaries, plant and animal health services, and access to credit with agricultural insurance," he added.

Berdegué also announced plans to strengthen Liconsa, focusing on purchasing more milk from domestic producers and improving dairy production. Additionally, a national policy for sustainable and responsible fishing will be developed, along with a support program for small-scale livestock farming.

Regarding international cooperation on food security issues, Mario Lubetkin, Deputy Director General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO, reaffirmed his commitment to the new administration, emphasizing strategic cooperation on key issues for the country.

Lubetkin met with Berdegué to discuss the new government's agenda, including strengthening food security, climate change adaptation, and promoting sustainable rural development. Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), and Hugo Raúl Paulín Hernández, Undersecretary of Productive Inclusion and Rural Development at the Ministry of Welfare, also attended the meeting. "Through FAO's global Hand-in-Hand initiative, we will continue working on transforming agri-food systems to promote more efficient and sustainable agriculture, addressing climate challenges comprehensively while reducing inequalities and improving rural livelihoods," stated Lubetkin.