The Week In Agribusiness: An Industry with a Fever

Despite environmental issues including droughts and pesticide pollution, the Mexican agricultural sector keeps growing to unprecedented levels. Industry players are coming together to optimize their supply chains to meet the demands of domestic and foreign markets.

The biggest agricultural event of the year took place in Irapuato, Guanajuato. Companies from all over Mexico and abroad showcased their produce and thrilling technical innovations.

The African swine fever is devastating the pork sector in China and the ramifications are being felt across the globe. Trumps’ trade spat with China has temporarily calmed down. However, his government’s actions have moved to a now heavily debated farmer bailout.

Ready for the latest produce? Here are the week’s headlines!

Mexican Agribusiness

The Center-Bajio-West Alliance seeks to form a body to evaluate and improve its businesses. The goal is to become the leading region in production, sales and export of produce.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development announced that Mexico has become the eighth global food producer.

Kai Sonder, a renowned researcher at the International Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT), urges producers at Expo Agro-alimentaria to adopt the latest technology to adapt to the future’s challenges.

African Swine Fever Epidemic in Asia

The Chinese government announced there has been a new outbreak of African swine fever in the Yunnan region. The epidemic has led to an rise in US pork prices.

The Chinese government warned farmers against the use of homemade and smuggled pilot vaccines that could have severe side-effects on animals. 

China-US Trade War

Trump’s US$16 billion bailout package for farmers hurt by the trade war with China was criticized by Democrats for favoring large scale companies and excluding small farmers.

China’s decision to end the import ban on US poultry is expected to boost US exports by US$1 billion a year.

Climate Change

Climate change-related droughts and water pollution are threatening the water supply of the Mexico City metropolitan area.

The US National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has published a white paper that demonstrates that the beef industry is having a lower impact on greenhouse gases production than previously thought. In addition, the American beef industry is lauded for leading the way in sustainability.

Other

California’s agriculture sector is seeing record hirings of seasonal workers from Mexico, partly because of shortages caused by Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigration.