In a global context, Mexico and South Africa promote resilient agri-food systems

The governments of Mexico and South Africa agreed to strengthen technological and scientific cooperation to promote the development of more resilient agri-food systems in the face of the challenges imposed by the international scenario, such as the increase in the prices of grains and inputs and the impacts of climate change.

In a working meeting, the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Víctor Villalobos Arámbula, and the South African Ambassador to Mexico, Dennis Thokozani Dlomo, reviewed the status of agri-food trade between both nations.

They evaluated the current global problems in terms of food security, the challenges posed by climate change and Mexico’s willingness to work together with South Africa on viable actions in that country and mitigation measures in the primary sector.

The Mexican official spoke out for analyzing actions to strengthen the exchange of agri-food products and review those agricultural products of common interest between the two nations.

Likewise, Villalobos Arámbula mentioned that bilateral cooperation is welcome to share the Mexican experience and develop mechanisms for improving agricultural production.

He highlighted the importance of technology development to boost agricultural and fishery productivity and mitigate the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, which greatly affects South Africa.

The Minister of Agriculture reiterated the invitation to the South African ambassador to participate in the World Congress of Vine and Wine to be held in Mexico next November, to which Ambassador Dennis Thokozani responded favorably.

The diplomat expressed interest in identifying points of collaboration between the two countries in terms of technology, to face the adverse effects of the conflict in Eastern Europe, which has mainly affected vulnerable populations.

At the event, it was highlighted that cooperation with African countries has focused on two issues of great importance for that region of the world: desertification and technology for the nixtamalization of white corn.

This last issue gained great relevance in several African nations and was the subject of courses, high-level seminars, technology transfer and donation of machinery for the nixtamalization process.

The main export products from Mexico to South Africa are: beer, tequila, plant parts, liquors with agave, animal preparations, pepper, sesame oil, cocoa preparations, avocado and food preparations.

While South Africa imports from Mexico: onion, vegetable and broccoli seeds, apples, alligator skins, plant parts, essential oils, fats and oils, and grapefruit essential oil.