Mexico and the US define new opportunities for relations in the agri-food sector
The Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Brooke Rollins, discussed the priorities and challenges facing the agricultural sectors of both countries in matters of health, trade and cooperation.
During a bilateral meeting held this week at the facilities of the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica), in Mexico City, the Secretary and the Secretary verified the progress of the joint campaign against the cattle screwworm (GBG); Secretary Rollins highlighted the great progress achieved and the cooperation between both countries, at both the political level and the health agencies of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Senasica.
Both secretaries agreed on the priorities and short-term actions that will allow decisions to be made regarding the resumption of livestock exports.
Among the main topics addressed, the strengthening of coordination around the GBG and other animal health issues stands out, as well as the identification of areas of collaboration within the framework of the upcoming review of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA).
The Mexican Secretary of Agriculture emphasized the importance of maintaining trust, certainty, and respect for the rules as principles driving the development of robust agri-food integration among the three North American countries. He reiterated that Mexico seeks increased trade, greater integration, and enhanced cooperation for the benefit of both producers and consumers.
Secretary Berdegué and Secretary Rollins discussed the priorities and opportunities of agri-food trade between Mexico and the United States and agreed that it is a driving force for the economies of both countries, while ensuring industries and consumers have access to high-quality, safe inputs and products at convenient prices.
Prior to the bilateral meeting, the US delegation visited the Emergency Operations Center (COES), where the chief director of Senasica, Javier Calderón Elizalde, explained that health intelligence is a very important core of modern agri-food health, so the Agriculture agency collects, interprets and models data in order to anticipate risks and based on this, helps to mitigate them.
Secretary Berdegué emphasized the fundamental role of binational collaboration in animal health and epidemiological intelligence, especially in the face of cross-border threats that can affect livestock production in both countries. He noted that technical cooperation with APHIS-USDA has been key to strengthening prevention and response mechanisms for animal health risks.
The meeting, which included high-ranking officials from both governments, represented a further step in strengthening a solid, long-term agricultural relationship that supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the region's food security and stability. Mexico and the United States are strategic partners in building a safe, sustainable, and competitive North American food system.
The U.S. delegation includes the USDA Under Secretaries of Commerce and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and of Marketing Programs and Regulations, Luke Lindberg and Dudley Hoskins, respectively, who will tour Senasica's livestock inspection infrastructure. They will also visit livestock production units affected by the plague to learn about the identification and wound treatment procedures implemented by Senasica field technicians.
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