Urgent Measures Necessary for a Better Agricultural Future

This week, the UN urged country leaders to take immediate measures against antimicrobial pollution given its potential long-term repercussions in day-to-day activities. FAO announced a new record in the food price index that could affect both rural producers and consumers.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Víctor Villalobos Arámbula participated in the Foodex 2022. 

Interested in more? Here are the week’s major headlines in Agribusiness & Food!

Urgent Action Required Against Antimicrobial Pollution: UN

The UN’s Environment Assembly and the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance once again urged world leaders to improve food systems to significantly reduce antimicrobial drug waste. If the amount of antimicrobial waste is not reduced, the world could see significant environmental damage. The groups urged the implementation of new safety measures to properly dispose of antimicrobial waste from human and animal food manufacturing facilities. “The connections between antimicrobial resistance, environmental health and the climate crisis are becoming increasingly stark. We must act now to protect the environment, and people everywhere, from the damaging effects of antimicrobial pollution,” said Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados, and Co-Chair, Global Leader Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Food Price Index Reaches a New Record in February

The food price index stood at an average of 140.7 points in February, 3.9 points higher than in January and 3.1 points higher than in Feb. 2011, according to FAO. “Concerns about crop conditions and the adequacy of exportable supplies explain only in part the current increases in world food prices. Food price inflation stems much more from sectors other than food production, especially energy, fertilizer and feed,” said Upali Galketi Aratchilage, Economist, FAO. For now, it is estimated that global production of wheat and maize will increase in 2022 but there will be a deficit in cereal production in vulnerable countries. 

Possible Benefits and Risks of the Diet of Tomorrow

Major global factors such as economic growth, changes in consumer behavior and consumption patterns, a growing world population and the climate crisis will shape the food safety of the future, found a FAO report. “We are at a time when technological and scientific innovations are revolutionizing the agri-food sector, including the field of food safety. It is important for countries to keep up with these developments, especially in a critical area like food safety, and for FAO to proactively provide advice on the application of science and innovation,” said Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist, FAO.

Inauguration of the Mexican Pavilion at Foodex Japan 2022

During the virtual opening of the Mexican Pavilion at Foodex Japan 2022, Villalobos Arámbula highlighted Mexico’s increased agri-food and fishing exports to Japan, which grew by 7.0 percent compared to a year ago. He added that Mexico is Japan’s top supplier of avocado, asparagus, kabocha squash, concentrated and frozen orange juice and agave distillates.