How Senasica Ensures Your Food is Safe and Delicious

In an era of global economic uncertainty and increasing concerns about food security, Mexico's agricultural sector has emerged as a beacon of innovation and progress. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development has implemented a series of strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering food production, enhancing food security, and fostering economic growth in rural communities. These efforts, particularly focused on empowering small and medium-scale producers, are reshaping the landscape of Mexican agriculture and setting a new standard for

At the forefront of this agricultural renaissance is the National Service for Health, Safety and Food Quality (Senasica). For the first time in its history, Senasica has adopted a targeted approach to pest and disease control, implementing a comprehensive suite of measures including sampling, trapping, biological and chemical control, training, supervision, and evaluation. This innovative strategy is specifically designed to combat endemic pests and diseases that threaten staple crops such as corn, beans, wheat, and rice.

The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. According to data from the Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP), Mexico produces an average of 27 million tons of corn, 3.4 million tons of wheat, 700,000 tons of beans, and over 250,000 tons of rice annually. These crops form the backbone of the Mexican diet, feeding a population of more than 126 million. By focusing on protecting these strategic crops across 31 entities, Senasica's efforts are safeguarding both the economic stability of countless farming families and the nutritional security of the nation as a whole.

In a landmark move, the current administration has prioritized the needs of small and medium-scale producers. Over the past year, phytosanitary actions were implemented across 328,505 hectares, benefiting 50,167 producers. The majority of these beneficiaries are small-scale farmers, highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive agricultural development.

This targeted approach extends beyond crop protection to include comprehensive support for livestock producers and aquaculture operators. Under the Agri-Food Health and Safety Program, Senasica provided services to 12,182 agricultural producers (with a focus on priority crops), 11,172 livestock producers, and 5,501 aquaculture and fishery producers. Such holistic support ensures that the entire agricultural value chain is strengthened, from field to table.

Proactive Measures Against Exotic Pests

Recognizing the potential threat posed by exotic pests, the current administration has significantly bolstered its epidemiological surveillance efforts. The Mediterranean fly, a pest not native to Mexico, has been a particular focus of these efforts. In the past 12 months alone, 29,163 traps were deployed and 87,781 fruit samples were analyzed as part of this vigilant monitoring system.

When temporary incursions of the fly from Guatemala were detected, swift and decisive action was taken. Emergency plans were implemented 3,596 times, resulting in the destruction of 308,892 kilos of host fruits, the establishment of 74,176 bait stations, the application of organic pesticides over 130,716 hectares, and the strategic release of 22,194 million sterile male Mediterranean flies and 966 million parasitoids. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates Mexico's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its agricultural ecosystems and protecting its valuable crops from external threats.

The protection of Mexico's livestock industry has been equally rigorous. In just the last six months, specialists from the Mexico-United States Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease and other Exotic Animal Diseases (CPA) responded to 1,388 notifications of suspected exotic animal diseases. This vigilance is crucial in maintaining the health of Mexico's livestock population and ensuring the continued productivity of the sector.

Recognizing that prevention is key to maintaining agricultural health, Mexico has significantly enhanced its phytosanitary and zoosanitary inspection processes. Between September 2023 and June 2024, inspectors intercepted 69 species of pests of economic interest, preventing potential devastation to the agricultural sector.

These inspection efforts extend to all points of entry into the country. At international airports, 193,629 flights were inspected, while 9,595 vessels were checked at major ports. Land border crossings saw the inspection of 391,771 vehicles and 262,093 pedestrians. These comprehensive measures resulted in the retention of 202,947 kilograms of potentially risky goods, further safeguarding Mexico's agricultural sector from external threats.

Promoting Food Safety and Quality

In addition to protecting crops and livestock, the Mexican government has taken significant steps to ensure the safety and quality of the country's food supply. Over the past year, specialists from the General Directorate of Agri-Food, Aquaculture and Fisheries Safety certified 10,257 primary production units across 80 crops in Contamination Risk Reduction Systems (SRRC). This certification process not only enhances food safety for Mexican consumers but also increases the competitiveness of Mexican agricultural products in international markets.

The comprehensive strategy implemented by the Mexican government represents a paradigm shift in agricultural policy. By focusing on small and medium-scale producers, implementing targeted pest control measures, enhancing border security, and promoting food safety, Mexico is not only increasing its agricultural productivity but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of its rural communities.

These efforts are creating a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector, capable of meeting the nutritional needs of Mexico's growing population while also contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth. As Mexico continues to innovate and invest in its agricultural sector, it is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable and inclusive agricultural development, setting an example for other nations to follow.

The success of these initiatives demonstrates that with the right policies and targeted investments, it is possible to achieve food security, promote rural development, and create a thriving, modern agricultural sector that benefits all segments of society. As Mexico moves forward, the continued focus on supporting small and medium-scale producers, coupled with cutting-edge agricultural practices and stringent safety measures, will undoubtedly yield even greater dividends for the nation's economy and its people.