Mexico’s SADER Launches Plan to Protect Pollinators

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture (SADER) has launched a comprehensive action plan to  protect pollinators and promote sustainable honey production. The National Pollinator Protection Strategy was unveiled during the Sixth Forum on Honeybees and Beekeeping, which also introduced environmental and rural development initiatives aimed at addressing widespread bee mortality.

At the forum, Minister Julio Berdegué Sacristán announced that SADER, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA), is developing a rapid response mechanism for reported bee deaths. The protocol ensures immediate action when bee mortality events are confirmed, a marked change from past practices where most reports received little follow-up. Sacristán stated, “We established this critical protocol because in the past we received plausible complaints—often due to crop fumigation—but rarely collected evidence or engaged in laboratory certification.” SADER is also introducing monitoring mechanisms to prevent improper pesticide use.

The plan follows consultations in May between federal authorities and the National Beekeepers Organization (ONA). Beekeepers agreed to participate in four technical working groups to provide local insights for SADER’s national apiculture plan. Experts from SADER and SEMARNAT also conducted training sessions with beekeepers, local communities, and municipal governments to share best practices for preventing mass bee die-offs.

Officials at the forum noted that President Claudia Sheinbaum has prioritized beekeeping within federal development policy, citing its inclusion in programs such as Plan México, Cosechando Soberanía, and Escuelas de Campo, which provide technical support, affordable credit, market access, and insurance for small and medium apiarists. The Alimentación para el Bienestar program also supports the sector by purchasing honey at fair prices for distribution through public stores.

Recent initiatives include a stingless bee cultivation program launched in May by SADER and the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) in indigenous communities in Oaxaca and Yucatan. The program promotes sustainable honey production for local use and potential commercialization while aiding reforestation through pollination. The initiative employs technology funded by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), a SEMARNAT agency.

The government’s efforts complement a UN-backed program launched this week to encourage sustainable beekeeping and meliponiculture within Mayan communities in the Yucatan peninsula. Funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) - Mexico and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the program is introducing best practices for processing honey, wax, propolis, and pollen into products suited for local market demand, such as soaps, shampoos, ointments, candies, and other derivatives. By year end, the aim is that six groups of beekeepers will be able to launch sales across the Yucatan region, complete with product labels and unique branding. 

These efforts complement a UN-backed program in the Yucatán peninsula, funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) – Mexico and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The program teaches best practices for processing honey, wax, propolis, and pollen into marketable products such as soaps, shampoos, ointments, candies, and other derivatives. By year-end, six beekeeper groups aim to launch products with labels and unique branding across the region.

Highlighting apiculture’s economic significance, Arturo Macosay, Director of Livestock Production, shared key figures: Mexico has 2.3 million hives managed by over 46,000 beekeepers, producing 59,000 metric tons of honey annually, valued at more than MX$3 billion (US$159.7 million).