Agri News Mexico – August 2014
Agri News
Mexico
Agri News Mexico
On this occasion, Agri News Mexico says “farewell” to a
colleague and team builder who has been central for
the dynamism and activity of the agricultural
department of the Dutch Embassy in Mexico.
We are talking about Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, also
known as Gabriela or Gaby to her friends and
colleagues here in Mexico, and until July, Agricultural
Counselor of the Netherlands Embassy and
Coordinator of Agri News.
Gabrielle started working in Mexico in the summer of
2009. She came with much acquired experience and
achievements from her former position as Agricultural
Attaché in China and an extensive curriculum in the
(former) Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food
Quality, today the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the
Netherlands.
The Agricultural Team 2009-2014 (from left to right): Mario
Martínez, Gabrielle Nuytens, Frank Hoogendoorn, Leonora Hammer
Welcome to Agri News Mexico, the August 2014
edition, with agricultural news of Mexico and the
agricultural office of the Netherlands Embassy.
Please send us relevant news, success stories or
information on your operations in Mexico you
may wish for us to include in Agri News!
Agri News Mexico is a monthly bulletin prepared
by the Agricultural Office of the Netherlands
Embassy in Mexico.
It is a compilation and translation of the most
relevant news in the Mexican agricultural sector.
She joined the existent agricultural team in Mexico and
immediately showed us her teambuilding skills and
visionary character. She made us stronger, more
focused but at the same time with a wider scope to
develop business opportunities in the agricultural field.
She soon started learning Spanish and by now she can
already give speeches and hold difficult business
discussions in this interesting but also difficult
language.
Gaby was central for an increased level of networking,
for the development, as stated by Ambassador
Hogewoning, of the golden triangle scheme of
government-business-knowledge centers in Mexico.
Many persons from the Mexican government, business
environment and knowledge institutions in Mexico will
surely miss her. And of course, we who stay, will try to
do all we can to maintain her high level of
achievements and her friendly spirit.
The Agricultural Office is not responsible for the
truthfulness of the information presented in the
bulletin, but we can offer the information sources
upon request.
=================================
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel.
+52 55 11 05 65 58
Enjoy your reading!
Editor: Leonora Hammer
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
Enrique Martinez y Martinez highlighted the work of
the Standing Committee of the Reform of the
Agricultural Sector - which is aimed at performing
various consultation forums and developing a final
proposal - and also the participation of the Interministerial Commission for Sustainable Rural
Development in this process.
Agri News Mexico1
MARKETS
Ministry of Agriculture and CONCAMIN for a
productive agriculture2
During the monthly meeting of the Board of
CONCAMIN (Confederation of Industrial Chambers of
the Mexico), the Minister of Agriculture Enrique
Martinez y Martinez said that the agricultural reform
advances with the participation of all stakeholders.
President CONCAMIN, Francisco J. Funtanet highlighted
the willingness and readiness of the Confederate
industry to contribute to the design and
implementation of an inclusive and far-reaching major
reform.
The Chairman of the Agro Industry and Fisheries
Committee of CONCAMIN, Gregorio Gómez Sanz,
endorsed the commitment of the Mexican industry to
actively participate in the conversion of crops in
regions with surplus grain market without efficient
output.
The Minister of Agriculture Enrique Martinez y
Martinez, and the president CONCAMIN agreed to
strengthen the partnership between government and
industry in favor of a more productive agricultural
sector.
Martinez and Martinez stressed that the reform will
require the participation of all stakeholders from
primary producers to agribusiness.
He explained that a farm bill that establishes the new
food policy with legal, administrative and
organizational foundation for achieving structural
change will enable a fair, more productive, profitable
and inclusive primary sector. He added that he has
worked in two ways to achieve these objectives:
changes to public policies and legal and legislative
reforms regarding the legal framework of the sector.
He reiterated that the themes of this reform, and
discussions in national forums consist in restructuring
and simplification of laws and regulations to cut red
tape and functionally in the sector; reordering of
markets, supply and demand balance, fair prices and
international trade; productivity of smallholdings, and
the National System of Agroparks; specialized financing
and development of insurance schemes; rural
extensionism, holistic and technological development
and innovation, and biotechnology, strategic inputs
and equipment, and the issuance of health and safety
regulations, as well as the development of
marginalized areas and vulnerable groups.
The president of CONCAMIN stated that "Mexico needs
a profitable, competitive and sustainable base to
achieve food security and eradicating rural poverty in
the countryside. It is essential that the transformation
of the agricultural sector consider the specific realities
of each region and product, and establish
differentiated public policies that address the needs of
small, medium and large producers and reviving
agriculture", he said. He also recognized the openness
shown by the government to listen to the different
proposals of the Mexican agribusiness sectors, and
expressed the willingness and readiness of the industry
to contribute to the design and implementation of a
major inclusive and far-reaching reform.
Irrigation technologies for agricultural
reform3
At the opening of the Regional Forum "Irrigation
Systems and Modernization” the CEO of Promotion of
Agriculture, Kondo Jorge Lopez, said the challenge is to
incorporate and modernize more than one million
hectares. The agricultural area that has this type of
infrastructure has doubled crop yields, he said.
In this forum 150 speakers were recorded in the works
of water and agriculture, irrigation and infrastructure
based on hydro agricultural equipment.
1
Please contact: e-mail: [email protected] for more detail
of this information.
2
Source: www.sagarpa.gob.mx
3
Source: www.sagarpa.gob.mx
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
HORTICULTURE
Priority given to modernize irrigation responds to the
need to increase productivity and contribute to greater
food availability, needed for the agricultural reform.
Accompanied by the governor of Nayarit, Roberto
Sandoval Castañeda, Kondo Lopez stressed that the
agricultural area that has this type of infrastructure has
doubled crop yields. Last year, he explained, over 110
thousand acres were incorporated into the models of
modernization of irrigation in different states; in 2014
the goal is to exceed 120 thousand, which will have this
type of infrastructure.
The forum had participants from 15 states dedicated to
the production, business, legal and academic sectors
and state governments, among others.
Preservation of traditional agriculture4
The president of the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), Kanayo Nwanze, made a working
visit to the International Centre for Maize and Wheat
Improvement (CIMMYT) located in Mexico in order to
find a loop that allows collaboration developing
countries in Latin America through sustainable
practices as promoted in Mexico from the Sustainable
Modernization of Traditional Agriculture program.
During his tour of the facilities CIMMYT, Kanayo
Nwanze participated in the talk, "Why wheat in Africa:
increased demand, decreased production "offered Dr.
Hans Braun, director of the Global wheat Program.
"How Latin America can feed the world" was the
presentation given by Dr. Bram Govaerts, Associate
Director of the Global Conservation Agriculture, who
explained that through the Sustainable Intensification
Strategy for Grain Production in Latin America Latam,
seeks to increase production capacity in developing
countries, in addition to raising the standard of living of
farmers to adapt technologies to the development of
the field through sustainable practices.
Mr. Nwanze stated that investment in knowledge in
agriculture is five times more effective in reducing
poverty than investment in other sectors, as
highlighted in the strategies proposed by the federal
government, including the National Crusade against
Hunger and the National Development Plan. He also
emphasized support for family farming, which has a
significant role in ensuring food security.
Sustainable water management in
greenhouses5
“The two biggest sustainability challenges for
producers in greenhouses and protected agriculture in
general are the optimal use of soil and water
management, " said Alfredo Díaz, Director General of
the Asociación Mexicana de Horticultura Protegida A.C.
(AMHPAC).
76.3% of usable water available in Mexico is used for
agriculture; 17% for urban areas; 5.1% in industry, 1.4%
for aquaculture and 0.2% is used to generate
electricity. Between the years 2000 and 2005, per
capita availability was reduced from 4,841 to 4,573
m3/year.
The National Water Commission (Conagua) and the
National Population Council (CONAPO), have predicted
that by 2030, the average water availability per capita
in Mexico will have been reduced to 3,705 m3/year.
By increasing the value of water as an input, water
management is absolutely necessary for greenhouse
crops and protected agriculture. Producers who still
rely on visual inspection or only adjust irrigation
programs are losing money and lose a valuable input.
To reduce costs, waste water and run-off, producers
should adapt new technologies and maximize the
efficiency of irrigation systems. Due to the lack of
irrigation infrastructure, some producers are nowadays
adopting water recycling systems.
These systems help to ensure sufficient supply of high
quality water during production. The costs related to
the installation of retention ponds, tanks, pumps and
treatment systems, will pay themselves back.
Sinaloa cucumber export keeps on growing6
The area dedicated to the production of cucumber in
Sinaloa has been decreasing steadily over the years
whereas production has remained relatively constant.
5
6
4
Source: Hortalizas.com
Source: Hortalizas.com
Source: www.cimmyt.org
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
This indicates an improvement in production per
square meter as a result of the use of protected
structures such as shade houses and greenhouses.
Technology in general has been a very important
factor. The increased use of improved seed has allowed
higher yields and longer shelf life.
The usage of new methods which allow two crops
during the cycle, the use of precision sowing, and the
use of padding that allow not only moisture control,
but also control of pests and diseases, are some of the
technological advances in the horticultural sector.
Cucumber cultivation in Sinaloa is basically done by the
private sector, grouped in the Confederación de
Asociaciones Agrícolas del Estado de Sinaloa (CAADES).
CAADES disposes of specialized equipment for
production and packing and transport and distribution
infrastructure. All of these factors are fundamental to
marketing cucumber.
Mexico was the leading exporter of cucumber to the
United States in 2012 with more than 532 000 tons.
About 90% of all U.S. imported cucumber (325,000
tons) were sent from December to April. A large part of
these exports came from the state Sinaloa. In 2012,
production of cucumber in Sinaloa broke a record
surpassing 280 thousand tons, of which more than 61%
had been produced in protected conditions.
That same year the average yield was 74 tons per ha,
much higher than in previous years. The cucumber
production in Sinaloa is mainly directed towards the
export market - only 30% goes to the national market.
Guatemala and Mexico working towards
bilateral trade7
During a bilateral meeting held by the health
authorities of Mexico and Guatemala it was agreed to
work on the approval of the health and safety
standards for horticultural products grown with
Reduced Risk Systems as a requirement for their entry
and transit through Mexico. These actions are aimed at
boosting horticultural trade.
Mexico expressed interest in exporting to Guatemala.
Guatemala, for its part, expressed its desire to diversify
and expand its fruit, vegetable and ornamental plant
trade in Mexico.
7
Mexico and Guatemala agreed on the need to operate
border posts approved by both countries to formalize
and strengthen their agriculture.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Animal Production Mission to Mexico 2014
October 27-31
Visit prominent Mexican companies in the poultry,
feed and pig production chains, participate in an
interesting road show featuring business
opportunities and a better knowledge of the Mexican
animal production sector.
For more information:
[email protected]
Study on the Horse Market in Mexico
Last July 15, our colleague Kim Strengman completed
the study “Horse Market in Mexico”, an extensive
report for Dutch and also Mexican stakeholders
interested in doing business in the horse sector in
Mexico.
Kim Strengman worked for five months in the
Agricultural Department of the Netherlands Embassy
as a trainee. She developed interesting information on
the basis of existing information bases, interviews to a
number of Mexican stakeholders in the sector and
came up with a report that we perceive as highly useful
and informative.
We take the opportunity to thank Kim for her intensive
and valuable work.
We also thank all the persons, companies and
government officials who submitted information and
participated in the study.
Interested parties in the horse sector that wish to read
and comment on the report are welcome. Please
contact us at e-mail:
[email protected]
Source: Hortidaily (10-7-14)
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
Meeting with Mexican Poultry Union - UNA
The Agricultural Department had an interesting
meeting with Sergio Chávez, Executive President and
Humberto Arenas, Foreign Trade Director, of the
Mexican Poultry Union (UNA).
The purpose of the meeting is to coordinate activities
for the coming months, considering the development
of the Grupo AgriMex Holanda of Dutch companies
focused on the Mexican animal production market
(mainly poultry), as well as the upcoming events for the
animal production sector, namely:
- Congress of UNA (October 22-24, 2014)
- Animal production mission to Mexico
Upcoming animal production events
Over the coming months, the agricultural office of the
Netherlands Embassy will be busy with the preparation
of Dutch participation in three important animal
production events.
Both events will take place on October 22-24.

The UNA Congress
As mentioned in the news before, the Mexican Poultry
Union (UNA) is having its annual Congress in Riviera
Maya, southeast of Mexico.
The UNA Congress will feature Mexican and
international speakers. The Netherlands will participate
with a speaker. It is expected that the person giving the
speech will be mainly focused on the handling of Avian
Influenza virus and how this problem can be mitigated.
The focus will be on the business sector, but it will
surely be of interest to the Government as well.

What can FIGAP offer you?
On the side of trade, Guadalajara city will host FIGAP’s
annual exhibition, with the participation of companies
from Mexico and different parts of the world. FIGAP
involves the whole animal production chain. The event
receives important exhibitors and manufacturers of
machinery for the feed industry, agricultural
equipment, animal health, genetics, nutrition, livestock
software, grain and seed storage, feed and forage
manufacturers, aquaculture companies, distributors of
ingredients and additives, as well as transportation
companies, among others.
FIGAP features products and presentations related to
technology, animal health, genetics, farm
management, nutrition and innovation, with a focus on
increased knowledge.
For more information, please visit website:
www.figap.com.

Animal Production Mission 2014
st
After these events, during the dates October 27 to 31 .
the Netherlands Embassy through its agricultural
department organizes its annual animal production
mission, aimed at presenting core companies in Mexico
to the Dutch participating companies.
The plan is to visit relevant companies in the states of
Veracruz, Yucatán and Puebla (Tehuacán), which
feature the most important poultry, egg and pig as well
as feed production. Many of these companies are
important exporters in America and Asia, mainly.
The road show will surely be a good opportunity to see
the state of affairs of the animal production market, its
value chain, and be able to discuss face to face with
producers, their interests and plans for the future.
We recommend interested companies to contact us in
order to start planning their participation in the animal
production events:
[email protected]
Regional forum: fisheries and aquaculture8
With the implementation of better public policies,
programs, applied and productivity incentives research,
as well as greater order in the fisheries and
aquaculture sector we will be able to potentiate the
productivity, competitiveness and sustainability in the
seas and waterways of the country, said Mexico´s
Minister of Agriculture.
As part of the inauguration of the works of the
Regional Forum "Fisheries and Aquaculture", the
Minister of Agriculture stated that more than 11
thousand kilometers of coastline, currently contribute
about two percent of the value of food production of
Mexico.
8
Source : www.sagarpa.gob.mx
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
The Minister of Agriculture stressed that for this reason
it is of great importance to develop consultation
forums for open outcry of industry players´ opinions,
concerns, contributions and ideas with which the
reform will be developed in the area.
The National Commissioner of Aquaculture and
Fisheries, Mario Aguilar Sanchez noted that fisheries
and aquaculture are activities that generate welfare,
employment and foreign exchange for the country, it is
necessary to guide the actions of public policy
development and growth within the reform promoted
in the primary sector.
Bovine meat congress10
The fourth edition of the Virbac bovine meat congress
took place from 16-18 July in the city of Guadalajara.
During the event there were high-level conferences
and global perspectives for the activity, for different
members of the supply chain of bovine meat.
This event seeks to bring more training to farmers,
traders and other actors in the production chain, in
order to maintain the quality, health and safety of
Mexican beef that is currently offered in the market.
Reported significant progress in this administration is
already registered. In aquaculture incentives allowed
the renewal of the shrimp base and there was an
assurance scheme channeled to nearly eight thousand
hectares for the aquaculture sector; also tuna fishery
increased in private investment.
Producing and marketing with respect to standards is a
key to conquer new markets, so issues such as export
and domestic meat and critical points in the production
of feedlot of cattle, were presented by industry experts
during the event.
Centre for Genomic Reference9
Participants included breeders, feeders, veterinarians,
technicians, consultants, researchers and authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated actions for the
genetic improvement of domestic livestock, in order to
ensure their quality and enter new markets.
The general coordinator of Livestock of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Francisco Gurría Treviño, said the agency
will launch a Centre for Genomic Reference, which will
prove the genetic quality of the animals.
This first effort, which initially will be about half a
million samples (number of animals that occur on
average each year), will prove the quality of Mexican
cattle genetics in all species. "These DNA tests will
allow Mexico to increase opportunities with products
of high genetic quality in markets such as Central
America, the Caribbean, South America and Asia, as
Mexico has an important genetic platform," he said.
Moreover Mexico has an outstanding milk production
platform and a genetic basis which will feature
distinguished accreditation with better tools to
facilitate biotechnology. Therefore, he explained,
Mexico makes a unique effort in Latin America for the
next 18 months in all its cattle for purebreds and will
have registration with a genomic and genetic testing.
FOOD
Participation in food exhibitions11
A total of 191 producers from 26 Mexican states
offered their products in two relevant food events in
Mexico City´s World Trade Center: Exporgánicos and
Expo Restaurantes. Estimated sales were of five million
dollars.
During the Exporgánicos exhibition, dedicated to the
th
promotion and sales of organic products, the 4
ordinary session of the National Organic Production
Council took place.
ASERCA, in charge of the promotion in fairs and
exhibitions of the Ministry of Agriculture will have a
budget of 1.3 million dollars to promote the
consumption of organic products in Mexico. Also
important was the issuance of the first certificates for
the national production of organic products.
During Expo Restaurantes restaurant exhibition, there
were 90 producers from 17 states, exhibiting a wide
variety of products.
10
9
Source : www.sagarpa.gob.mx
11
Source : www.sagarpa.gob.mx
Source : www.alsea.net
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
In both events, the companies reported having more
than three thousand business contacts, many
increased sales and found new business niches. Some
also were able to establish joint ventures.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Round of negotiations Mexico – Turkey12
In December 17, 2013, the presidents of Mexico,
Enrique Peña Nieto, and Turkey, Abdullah Gül, agreed
to start negotiations on an FTA between the two
countries.
From 14 to 16 July 2014, the first round of negotiations
of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico and
Turkey (TLC) between both countries took place in
Ankara, Turkey.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of
Economy, the objective of this first round identified the
scope for the conclusion of a comprehensive treaty.
Topics discussed included: trade in goods and services,
investment, legal and institutional issues.
Mexico and Turkey are countries with emerging
economies. Turkey is an interesting market with a
slightly larger population at 70 million, with an
important economic dynamism in recent years.
Because of its strategic location is a port of entry to
Europe, Asia and North Africa.
The commercial relationship with Turkey is relatively
modest. In 2013 total trade was $ 886 million.
However, it has shown a growth in recent years.
Also in 2013, Mexico's leading products were exported
to Turkey: PVC , wheat and meslin, freight vehicles,
passenger cars, phones and chickpeas. In that year, the
main imported goods from Turkey were parts or
machinery components, copper items, engine parts,
transmission shafts and jewelery.
Transpacific Agreement Meeting
13
The most recent round of negotiations of the Transrd
th
Pacific Partnership took place from the 3 to the 12
of July in Ottawa, Canada.
12
13
Source : www.iqomla.com
Source : www.iqomla.com
On this occasion, issues addressed were intellectual
property, investments, rules of origin, legal issues and
State-owned companies.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed free
trade agreement being negotiated throughout the
Asia-Pacific region (Australia, Brunei Darussalam,
Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,
Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam).
The TPP intends to enhance trade and investment,
promote innovation, economic growth and
development, and support the creation and retention
of jobs.
An interesting review on Mexico’s participation in the
TTP can be found (in Spanish) in:
http://www.mexicoylacuencadelpacifico.cucsh.udg.mx
/sites/default/files/M%C3%A9xico%20y%20el%20Acue
rdo%20de%20Asociaci%C3%B3n%20Transpac%C3%ADf
ico%20TPP%20-%20Oportunidades%20y%20retos.pdf
Bilateral meeting between Mexico and
Guatemala14
During a bilateral meeting held by the health
authorities of Mexico and Guatemala it was agreed to
work on the approval of the standards of health and
safety of horticultural products produced under Risk
Reduction Systems as a requirement for entry and
transit through Mexico.
These actions are aimed at strengthening the trade of
agricultural products, explained the participating
parties.
During the meeting it was agreed to coordinate the
actions of the Committee on Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures within the NAFTA Mexico and
Central America, as an alternative for the treatment of
plant and animal health issues.
Mexico will give assistance to Guatemalan technicians
for the management of pig farms, for good livestock
practices and increase the levels of biosecurity.
Similarly, Mexico will support Guatemala in order to be
recognized as free of classical swine fever (FPC), to
approve the health status with Mexico and thereby
reduce the risk that the disease could re-enter the
country.
14
Source: www.sagarpa.gob.mx
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
In regard to bilateral issues, Mexico expressed interest
in exporting to Guatemala bovine cattle and live pigs,
as well as meat carcasses of both species; live bird
products like table eggs and milk.
“We know we have macroeconomic strengths, optimal
conditions that will undoubtedly enable further
development of our country,” he said.
Guatemala, meanwhile, expressed its desire to
diversify and increase trade of fruits, vegetables and
ornamental plants in the Mexican market.
3. The trust Mexico is creating as an attractive
investment destination on the basis of the reforms that
have been implemented, which have been a result of
having a favorable political environment for this.
Health authorities in Mexico and Guatemala agreed to
hold a bilateral meeting in November, to be held in
Tapachula, Chiapas, which is abound on the above
topics.
President of the Mexican Business Council, Claudio X.
Gonzalez Laporte, explained that in 2104, the
companies comprising this organization will make
investments in the order of 27.4 billion dollars.
Both countries considered it important to reach
agreement on the harmonization of legal frameworks
and standards to facilitate trade in products such as
banana, peach, cattle and pigs, milk, mushrooms and
aquatic organisms such as crustaceans, molluscs and
fish.
He noted that these investments are a result of the
optimism and enthusiasm caused by the sweeping
reforms, which are paving the way for stronger growth
more in keeping with the great potential we have as a
country.
Mexican Business Council announces
investments15
The Mexican Business Council announced investment
projects amounting to 27.45 billion dollars, equivalent
to approximately 356 billion pesos.
This investment is higher than what the Mexican
Business Council itself announced last year, “Which
confirms the commitment and conviction that Mexico
has a promising future,” and is equivalent to “Twenty
auto companies agreeing to announce an investment
of over a billion dollars.”
During an event, held at the Bosques Entrepreneurs’
Club in Mexico, the President of Mexico reported that
in the matter of employment, “The data is extremely
encouraging.” In June, the annual growth of jobs in the
past twelve months was 3.5 percent.
President Peña Nieto said that the amount of
investment announced in July by the Mexican Business
Council is significant, and based on three main pillars:
1. The trust and preference of Mexican consumers for
the products or services you offer, “Which have
improved and become more competitive.”
2. The condition of macroeconomic stability that exists
in Mexico.
15
“This very positive outlook is what motivates members
of the Council to commit this large figure,” which, he
added, is the result of the policy of the firms
comprising it to invest in the medium and long term,
regardless of the short-term situation.
He said that investing, innovating and creating jobs is
their mission, “And that is what we do best.” He
explained that investments are mainly being made in
the telecommunications, mining, construction and
infrastructure, auto parts and chemicals sectors,
consumer products, and retail shops in the fields of
information and technology.
A significant proportion of these investments are
dedicated to increasing the capacity, quality,
productivity and competitiveness of companies in the
Mexican Business Council, he explained.
Eduardo Tricio Haro, Vice President of the Mexican
Business Council and Chairman of Grupo Industrial Lala
dairy company, congratulated President Enrique Peña
Nieto, “On the reforms that have been adopted, which
are unprecedented in the history of our country,” and
said that, “Thanks to them, Mexico now has a much
brighter and more promising future,” since, “These
measures provide the basis for becoming a more
prosperous, competitive economy.”
Daniel Servitje Montull, Chairman of the Board and
CEO of Grupo Bimbo, Mexico’s most important bakery
company, said that the company will continue its policy
of high reinvestment of profits for the modernization
and transformation of its production plant.
Source: News extract from www.presidencia.gob.mx
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
This will also include a logistics and distribution project,
and another project to enable micro entrepreneurs in
small grocery stores throughout the country to link up
with the payment system of the Mexican financial
system, “A very positive way to inject vitality into small
businesses and also help them participate in the formal
economy.”
Francisco Javier Bours Castelo, President of Bachoco
poultry Industries, announced that with a view to 2018,
the group is making investments designed to achieve
production of 225,ooo tons of eggs for consumption ,
and 1.4 million tons of chicken. “In other words, we will
increase from the half million chickens we produce
daily at present to two million,” adding that, “Through
these investments, we are hoping to create about five
thousand direct jobs, the majority of which are in rural
areas.”
Enrique Zambrano Benitez, Director General of
PROEZA, said the group has approximately 14,000
employees in its three divisions: auto parts,
agribusiness and health services. He said that with
Metalsa, in the autoparts section, “We are significantly
increasing production capacity,” given the new
investments in the automotive industry that are being
installed in Mexico, which will generate significant
development.
Juan Gallardo Thurlow, President of Grupo
Embotelladoras Unidas, said that it is tripling the
installed capacity of the sugar refinery in Benito Juárez,
Tabasco, and said “this investment is by far the most
important in this sector. Moreover, this year, 10,000
new acres will be opened up for planting sugarcane, all
with irrigation systems and modern technologies. In
Tala, Jalisco, the first stage of a cogeneration power
state, based on burning bagasse, was completed.
To contextualize this phenomenon, he said that,
“155,000 hectares is roughly the same size as the
Federal District,” adding that last year, 211,000
hectares were reforested, which, “exceeded the goal
we originally set for ourselves, and we managed to sow
192 million plants.”
Therefore, he added, “If we did it in 2013, we are
convinced that we will be able to achieve the goal of
planting 190 million new plants, and we will achieve
this with the participation of the social sector, the
private sector and the various Mexican state
institutions that participated in this effort.”
He explained that Mexico is a country with a wide
forest area: almost 70 percent of the country is made
up of forest.
The president thanked the over 14,000 forest fire
fighters, the Mexican Army, and also to fighting forest
fires to support of the National Forestry Commission
brigades. He also thanked, “The social organizations,
communities, ejido residents, private companies, and
women’s organizations engaged in this task, who have
made this an activity that also allows them to have an
income that ensures them a much better life, at the
same time as they are contributing to the sustainable
development of our country.”
The President added that preserving and expanding
forest areas is a better way to deal with climate
change, “Which in many places results in new
temperatures, hurricanes, storms and unusual rains.”
The President stated that the government will give
each state its own forest inventory, “so that it can see
how much natural wealth it has and the commitment
required to take care of it.”
SUSTAINABILITY
Reforestation campaign16
As he led the groundbreaking ceremony of the National
Reforestation Campaign 2014, which this year seeks to
recover 170 thousand hectares by planting 190 million
trees across the country, President Enrique Peña Nieto
confirmed the government’s aim of preserving and
expanding forest areas.
16
He stressed that although it has been reduced, net
annual deforestation in Mexico is 155,000 hectares,
and that the goal set for this administration is to
reduce this to 90,000 hectares annually.
The website of the Dutch Embassy in Mexico presents
materials of Dutch horticulture, the cooperative
model and agro logistics in the Netherlands.
Please link to:
http://mexico.nlembajada.org/noticias/2014/4/
agricultura.html
Source: News extract from www.presidencia.gob.mx
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Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
Ambassador Hogewoning addressed the group as a
very important one, and this opportunity as a great one
to exchange valuable information that will facilitate
trade of plant products between both countries.
ANIMAL HEALTH AND
PHYTOSANITARY ISSUES
Bilateral Phytosanitary Meeting Mexico –
The Netherlands
Representatives of the Netherlands Phytosanitary
st
service visited Mexico last July 1 to meet with their
Mexican counterparts at the Ministry of Agriculture in
Mexico.
Major agenda items updated and discussed during the
meeting were: market access for potatoes and seed
potatoes, treatment for organic seeds for export to
Mexico, regulations regarding organics, sampling of
propagative materials, harmonization of botanic
names, Mexican exports of sesame seed and possible
visit of Mexican plant authorities to the Netherlands.
Participants from the Netherlands were Mr. Meeuwes
Brouwer, Chief Phytosanitary Officer of the Directorate
General for Agro, Plant Supply Chain and Food Quality
and Mr. Johan Roman, Department Senior Officer Plant
Health NPPO. Agricultural Assistant Leonora Hammer,
of the Netherlands Embassy participated with the
group.
The Mexican counterpart was composed of a valuable
group of specialists from the Mexican Ministry of
Agriculture’s Plant Health office (SENASICA – Sanidad
Vegetal). Persons present were: M.C. Guillermo
Santiago , Director of Phytosanitary Regulation, Ing.
Juan José Flores García , Subdirector of International
Harmonization and Evaluation, Ing. Vicente Rosas,
Department Chief of Phytosanitary Measures, M.C.
Lilia Cruz and Ing. Hoffman Blassio, Department of
Phytosanitary Harmonization and Work Plans, and Ing.
Flora Mendoza of the Department of Phytosanitary
Measures.
The meeting was very fruitful and both parties agreed
to continue works over the coming months regarding
exchange of necessary information and updates.
That afternoon, the Dutch experts met with the
Ambassador of the Netherlands, Dolf Hogewoning and
a group of representatives and members of AMSAC,
the Mexican Seed Association.
The meeting with this group was very interesting too,
because many of the issues that are being discussed
between Mexico and the Netherlands are related to
seeds and their treatment.
The next day, Mr. Brouwer and Mr. Roman left Mexico
to continue phytosanitary meetings with authorities in
Cuba, which were also very fruitful.
Plant Health Award17
SAGARPA, through the National Service for Health,
Food Safety and Quality (SENASICA), invites the public
and private institutions, as well as teachers,
professionals and professionals to present candidates
for the "National Plant Protection Award 2014", that
consists of a medal, diploma and cash bonus.
The call is open to all Mexican plant protection
professionals. Institutions should submit detailed
curriculum vitae of the candidate, and a summary of
the merits obtained in subjects such as prevention,
control or eradication of pests and plant diseases in
Mexico. The jury will be composed of experts in the
field.
For more information: www.sagarpa.gob.mx
Export certificates for Bovine semen and
Horse semen
Imports of bovine semen and horse semen from the
Netherlands have a new export certificate. The same
applies to import of live horses. For more information,
please review: www.nvwa.nl in the Netherlands or
contact our office at [email protected] in
Mexico.
Import Requirements in Mexico
There have been changes in the import requirements
of certain products. Let your importer contact the
Netherlands agricultural office in Mexico or the Dutch
Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority
(www.vwa.nl) for the latest updates on import
conditions. Products that have changes of import
conditions in Mexico are:
Bovine: bovine semen – new certificate
Horses: live horses - new certificate
Horses: horse semen – new certificate



17
Source: www.sagarpa.gob.mx
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Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014



Hatching eggs – certificate under revision
Pig: Hydrolized protein – new certificate in process
Pig: Semen – new certificate in process
Publications by FAS / USDA18
For more information, please contact:
[email protected]
AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS
Upon request: at e-mail: [email protected]
Study on the Horse Market in Mexico (2014)
- Greenhouse designs for Mexico. Aguascalientes,
Querétaro and Sinaloa (WUR, 2014)
- Article: Berry sector in Mexico (2014)
- Tribuna Avícola – poultry and egg bulletin of the
UNA organization in Mexico (monthly)
- The Mexican Poultry Sector: 20 years after the
signature of the Mexico – U.S. and Canada Free
Trade Agreement NAFTA (UNA, 2014)
- Video on Sustainable Use of Water in Greenhouses
in Mexico. Available at:
http://mexico.nlambassade.org/nieuws/2013/9/th
e-sustainable-use-of-water-in-greenhouses-inmexico.html
- Made in Holland special: Horticulture, 2013
- Booklet: Animal Production Mission, 2013
- Trade Fairs and Publications in Mexico, 2013
- Presentation : Doing Business with Mexicans, 2013
- Optimal Climate Regions in Mexico for Greenhouse
Crop Production, by Jop Kipp
- The Animal Feed Industry in Mexico (in Spanish)
- Mexican Protected Horticulture – WUR 2011
- Article: The Mexican Animal Sector, 2011
- Latin American Food Processing Machinery, 2010
- The Mexican Dairy Industry - WUR 2010
- Mexico Ornamental Sector, 2007
- Mexico Animal Production, 2007

Mexico Announces New Measures to Control
Pierce Disease in Grapes (8-7-14)

UPDATE U.S. Fresh Potato Exports—Border
Access Resumes (7-7-14)

U.S. Fresh Potato Exports to Mexico
Suspended (2-7-14)

Mexico Proposes Establishing New Label
Requirements for GE Seeds (24-6-14)
-
UPCOMING EVENTS 2014
Participation of the Agricultural Office19:
-
PMA Fresh Summit 2014
Horticultural exhibition. October 17-19 2014.
More information: http://www.freshsummit.com
-
Congress of the National Poultry Union (UNA)
Poultry congress. October 22-24, 2014
For information: [email protected]
-
FIGAP Animal Production Exhibition
Animal production exhibition. October 22-24, 2014
More information: www.figap.com
-
Animal Production Mission to Mexico
Roadshow
October 27-31, 2014
For information: [email protected]
-
Expo Agroalimentaria Guanajuato, 2014
Horticultural exhibition. November 11-14.
www.expoagroalimentariagto.com
Events MexiCultura
MexiCultura is a 2g@there program of Dutch companies
with a focus on Mexican horticulture and co-financed by
the Dutch government.
www.mexicultura.com/es/content/agendaactivities-events
18
Source: http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Pages/Default.aspx
19
The Agricultural Office does not expressly recommend of
favor the participation and/or success in these events.
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Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -
Agri News Mexico – August 2014
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES20
Agenda 2014 MexiCultura
August 2014 - 28 – 29 August: Annual Congress of
AMHPAC, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
October 2014 17 – 19 October: PMA Fresh Summit
Anaheim, California
November 2014 - 11-14 November:
Expo Agro Alimentaria Irapuato, Guanajuato - Outgoing
Mission to México *To be confirmed

Dutch company looking for Mexican
experienced distributor of food (dairy)
products.

Experienced General Manager/Agronomist of
Dutch nationality is looking for a position in,
or near Mexico City. 15 years’ experience in
food and flower production in high-tech
agricultural production facilities. Looking for a
position in general management / quality
control / food sourcing / flower importexport.

Distribution of compost cover, shade cloth
fabrics, insect screens and ground cover
fabrics for greenhouse production.

Dutch company in search of a professional
and reliable distributor for food products.

Mexican company interested to import plant
nutrition products from the Netherlands.
Other events
th
-
4 . International Congress of ANEBERRIES
ANEBERRIES – Association of berry growers
August 20-22 in the state of Michoacán, Mexico
For more information: www.aneberries.mx
-
Abastur
Food service and hospitality industry exhibition
September 1-4, 2014 in Mexico City
http://www.abastur.com
-
International Seminar of Floriculture and
Nurseries
September 4-6, 2014 in State of Mexico
Tel: + 52 (55) 9116 3756
E-mail: [email protected]
www.guiaverdemexico.com
-
Gourmet Show
Gourmet products - Wine Room – Chocolate event
- Agave Fest - Expo Coffee – Beer Mexico
September 4-6, 2014 in Mexico City
http://www.tradex.mx/gourmet/
http://tradex.mx/chocolates
-
Green Expo
Sustainability and environment
September 24-26, 2014 in Mexico City
http://www.thegreenexpo.com.mx/
-
Expo Irrigation Tech
Irrigation
September 24-26, 2014 in the state of
Aguascalientes
http://www.irrigation-tech.org
20
NOTE: The Agricultural Office of the Netherlands
Embassy in Mexico is not responsible for the trade or
investment agreements or contacts presented in this
document.
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Volume 12/8 | number 8
Ministry of Economic Affairs - Agricultural Office Mexico
- Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands -