US–Mexico Boost Agricultural Cooperation

The United States and Mexico are strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation through a new US$40 million investment in the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the launch of a joint educational campaign to combat screwworm, reinforcing food security, innovation and animal health across North America. The funding is part of its broader strategy to enhance food security and deepen bilateral agricultural cooperation.

According to the US Embassy, the resources will expand access to improved wheat varieties with higher yields and greater resistance to pests, diseases and extreme weather events. The initiative will also help protect maize biodiversity by supporting one of the world’s largest germplasm banks, which holds more than 28,000 maize accessions and 124,000 wheat accessions. In addition, the investment seeks to reduce reliance on fertilizers through improved agronomic practices, and to expand research trials and innovation hubs in Mexico to boost productivity, rural incomes and employment.

The US Embassy in Mexico emphasized that the stronger the partnership between the two countries, the greater their collective impact. It also highlighted that nearly 60% of the wheat acreage planted in the United States benefits from varieties derived from CIMMYT, reinforcing productivity, climate resilience and market stability.

“As two agricultural powers with deeply integrated markets, the United States and Mexico recognize that innovation in food systems strengthens both nations and contributes to greater regional stability. CIMMYT’s presence in Mexico reflects decades of scientific collaboration,” the statement reads. CIMMYT was founded in 1966 following a research program sponsored by the Mexican government and the Rockefeller Foundation aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.

In line with bilateral cooperation goals in the food sector, agricultural agencies from both countries have launched a joint educational campaign to strengthen prevention and reporting of the New World screwworm. Led by Mexico’s Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (Senasica) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the strategy underscores the importance of timely reporting of suspected cases to ensure rapid response and protect animal health and productive systems in both nations.

Through coordinated actions, the campaign aims to provide clear and accessible information to producers, technical personnel and the general public. It includes a wide range of multimedia educational materials designed to explain how to identify screwworm infestations in wounds, preventive measures to reduce risks, the importance of immediately reporting cases to agricultural health authorities and the proper treatment of affected animals.

The information targets livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health personnel and the broader public. Materials include short- and long-format videos, audio messages for radio and digital platforms, and graphic resources for dissemination. The content was developed with technical guidance from animal health specialists and is based on recommended practices for prevention, detection and response.

The screwworm outbreak has caused significant losses for Mexico’s agricultural sector. According to the Agricultural Market Consultants Group, as of December 2025, 1.207 million head of cattle were unable to be exported due to border closures, resulting in estimated losses of US$1.4 billion. The situation forced producers to sell within the domestic market, where the price per head dropped from US$1,200 in export markets to US$900 locally. As a result, revenues from domestic sales fell to US$1.08 billion, representing a negative opportunity cost of US$362 million for the sector.