Mexico has unveiled a new food and agriculture plan that aims to revitalize the country’s food production and distribution systems, drawing parallels to the setup from the 1980s. The plan, introduced by Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, seeks to enhance food sovereignty by promoting the production of staple foods like beans and corn, commonly found in traditional Mexican meals.
In a bid to support farmers and ensure affordability for consumers, the government plans to guarantee prices for corn used in making tortillas and aims to reduce tortilla prices by 10%. Additionally, there are efforts to increase bean production by 30% over six years to reduce reliance on imports. Research centres will be established to develop higher-yielding bean seeds, further emphasizing the goal of self-sufficiency in bean production.
While the plan aligns with Sheinbaum’s vision of promoting healthier eating habits by emphasizing bean consumption over processed snacks, such as potato chips, it faces challenges in terms of changing consumer preferences. Modern grocery stores have become the norm for most Mexicans, who are moving away from traditional staples like tortillas and instant coffee towards more diverse food choices.
Furthermore, the plan to focus on producing cheaper instant coffee and cocoa products may conflict with international trends that lean towards high-quality and specialised varieties. Despite Mexico’s historical significance in global chocolate production, domestic output has dwindled in recent years due to factors like plant diseases and inadequate investment.
Sheinbaum’s emphasis on self-sufficiency in essential commodities echoes the policies of her predecessor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, signalling a continuation of his administration’s priorities. However, the shift towards reviving 1980s-style agricultural practices may face resistance from evolving consumer preferences and global market trends, highlighting the need for a balance between tradition and innovation in Mexico’s food and agriculture sectors.