Senators Discuss Implementation of Environmental Agreement

Mexican Senators part of the Committee on North American Foreign Relations met with federal government officials this week to analyze how to implement the conditions proposed under the new Agreement on Environmental Cooperation between Mexico, the US and Canada. Mexico has committed to approving the document by July 1. However, some have warned that Mexico is not ready to meet all the conditions established in the agreement, which may threaten the continuity of trade between countries.

Want to know more? Read the week’s biggest headlines in agribusiness & food!

Government News

The Ministry of Agriculture (SADER) is evaluating a potential designation of 5 million ha in Mexico’s south southeast for agricultural production in a bid to guarantee future demand.

SADER also reports that the fertilizer program’s goal in Guerrero to reach 280,000 farmers will be expanded to 331,000.

Meanwhile, the ministry reports that the delivery of fertilizer in Guerrero has advanced by 56 percent. In some municipalities, delivery has been completed.

In line with SADER’s intentions to update guidelines for organic production, from June 22 to July 31, Senasica technicians will hold virtual forums where representatives of national and international organic producers can discuss the new framework.

With rainfall at average levels, the ministry is expecting a good Spring-Summer cycle for agricultural producers.  

SADER is calling for more promotion of sustainable food production. The practices it refers to include conservation tillage, crop rotation and short-cycle crops.

In the second half of the year, the government intends to organize a national effort to plant 100 million trees in the country as part of the Sembrando Vida program managed by the Ministry of Well-being, Excelsior reports.

Science and Technology

On Wednesday, scientists from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) presented their results on techniques to mitigate desertification in Mexico, Cronica reports. It is estimated this phenomenon threatens 50 percent of Mexico’s national territory to a different degree.

Agribusiness Latest

Bayer will pay up to US$10.9 billion to settle its lawsuits over the Round Up weed killer. This glysophate-containing substance has been linked to cancer by the lawsuit filing parties. The Wall Street Journal warns that this may leave open a potential for more lawsuits being filed against the company in the future.

The Mexican oil, grains and seeds giant Grupo Sesajal has acquired a minority stake in plant-based brand Rhythm Superfoods. The investment will purportedly be used by Rhythm Superfoods to grow and expand capacity, as well as product innovation and increased marketing, Food Dive reports. See Mexico Business News’ interview with Grupo Sesajal here.

According to a report released by RaboResearch, the global dairy industry will face a slow recovery. However, the bureau forecasts that milk production will continue “expanding across dairy-exporting regions, despite weather-related issues, lower milk prices and efforts to bring supply back in balance with demand in many areas.”