SAFINSA 2025 Spotlights Soil Health and Regenerative Farming

Agricultural specialists at Expo SAFINSA 2025 emphasized that the future of Mexico’s farming sector depends on adopting regenerative practices, integrating innovation, and measuring soil health. Held from Oct. 2–3 in Ahome, Sinaloa, the event brought together producers, policymakers, and agribusiness stakeholders.

Alan Elizondo Flores, national director, Trusts Instituted in Relation to Agriculture (FIRA), opened the conference by presenting what he described as the main challenges and opportunities for sustainable agriculture in Mexico. He urged participants to scale methods that move beyond monoculture and conventional inputs. During a panel discussion, experts agreed that transitioning to regenerative soil and ecosystem management is essential, recommending practices such as crop rotation, cover crops, integrated livestock, and returning organic matter to the soil.

A recurring point throughout the conference was that improved metrics and data collection are critical to unlocking investment. Experts advocated for standardized methods to track soil carbon, nutrient cycles, and water retention, arguing that measurement is essential for bundling ecosystem services to support financing.

Technology and innovation were also central themes. The expo featured more than 100 exhibitors showcasing modern machinery, precision agriculture tools, digital platforms, and new crop inputs. Organizers highlighted how producers can access credit lines and business linkages through the platform.

SAFINSA’s Joaquín Sánchez Lerma emphasized that industry, government, and farmers must work together. “We bring buyers from major brands into the fair,” he said, pointing to opportunities for producers in exports and contract farming.

Producers, however, voiced concerns over scale and cost. Smallholders face higher risk barriers, including limited liquidity, insufficient technical support, and fragmented land plots. They also noted that sustainability pilots in Mexico often struggle to scale without institutional backing.