During an official visit to Washington D.C. from May 5 to May 7, 2025, Mexico and the United States achieved significant agreements aimed at enhancing their agricultural relationship. Julio Berdegué Sacristán, the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico, led the discussions with high-ranking U.S. officials, business leaders, and representatives from the agri-food sector.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the fight against the screwworm (gusano barrenador del ganado - GBG), a pest that poses a significant threat to livestock. As part of this initiative, both countries agreed to establish a joint working group that will meet weekly to supervise and improve strategies against this pest. Berdegué proposed the creation of a sterile fly production plant in Chiapas, which would bolster the campaign against the GBG by providing more resources and addressing the growing demand for effective pest control methods.
In addition to the pest control measures, Berdegué committed to sharing epidemiological information generated by Mexico's National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality (Senasica) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This collaboration aims to streamline administrative processes for aircraft involved in the pest control strategy.
Another critical issue on the agenda was the impending tariff on Mexican tomatoes, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce. If implemented on July 14, 2025, this measure would disrupt the historical balance of agri-food trade between the two countries. Berdegué warned that this tariff could adversely affect millions of U.S. consumers by raising prices for tomatoes, as Mexico supplies about 70% of the tomatoes consumed in the United States. The Secretary emphasized that there is no viable substitute for Mexican tomato production, which would lead to significant disruptions in the supply chain and increased costs for consumers.
During discussions with 18 associations from the U.S. agri-food sector, it was made clear that the quality, price, and geographical proximity of Mexican tomatoes make them irreplaceable without severe repercussions for logistics companies and consumers alike. The potential impact of the tomato tariff could result in losses amounting to $3 billion for Mexican exports.
Additionally, the U.S. government expressed interest in exporting ethanol to Mexico for use in the energy sector. Berdegué indicated his willingness to consult with Mexico's Secretary of Energy, Luz Elena González, to explore the possibility of forming a working group to assess the impact and feasibility of this proposal. This comes at a time when Mexico faces increasing pressure to utilize its sugar surpluses for local ethanol production, especially following the U.S. decision to reduce the import quota for Mexican sugar by over 60%.
The discussions also reaffirmed both countries' commitment to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), known as T-MEC in Spanish, which serves as a crucial framework for ensuring fair and free agri-food trade. U.S. private sector representatives highlighted Mexico's strategic role as a key partner in food supply, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Mexican agricultural workers.
Berdegué and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins underscored the importance of advancing joint strategic projects aimed at benefiting producers and consumers in both nations. This ongoing collaboration is deemed essential in addressing shared challenges in animal health, international trade, and energy sustainability.
As the meeting concluded, plans were made for the upcoming summit of agriculture secretaries from Mexico, the United States, and Canada, scheduled to take place in Morelia, Michoacán, from October 16 to 18, 2025. This summit is expected to further strengthen the agricultural ties between the three nations, fostering a collaborative approach to address common agricultural and trade challenges.
In summary, the recent agreements between Mexico and the United States highlight the importance of cooperative efforts in agriculture, particularly in combating pests like the GBG, addressing trade issues such as the tomato tariff, and exploring new opportunities in energy sectors like ethanol. These developments not only aim to enhance the agricultural landscape of both nations but also emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue and partnership in the face of evolving challenges.
