How Mexico’s Agri-Food Sector Can Lead Regional Transformation

Mexico’s agriculture industry is entering a new era - one defined by resilience, diversification, and innovation.

Renowned globally for its fresh produce, from avocados and berries to tomatoes and agave, Mexico is the leading supplier of high-value crops to North American markets. In 2023 alone, the country exported 500,000 tons of berries, with 90% heading to the US and Canada.

But with trade uncertainties looming, especially amid policy shifts and growing geopolitical tension, Mexico’s reliance on a single market is showing its vulnerabilities.

“Overdependence on one export route makes any economy fragile,” says Marion Avril, Sustainability and Social Innovation Director at Driscoll’s. “It’s time to think beyond borders.”

Expanding Horizons: Diversification as a Growth Strategy

Market diversification could be Mexico’s strongest defense and greatest opportunity.

Countries like Peru have already forged successful paths, exporting to 69 different markets including Europe and Asia. Mexico’s climate and biodiversity give it similar potential, particularly in high-value crops like dragon fruit, passion fruit, and even agave-based beverages.

Japan’s avocado imports jumped 22% in 2023, with Mexico as a major supplier. Demand is also growing in China, the UAE, and across Southeast Asia. But success requires more than access.  It demands investment in cold chains, post-harvest technology, and quality assurance systems.

Strengthening Domestic Resilience

Food security isn’t just about exports. It’s also about who grows the food and how. In Mexico, small and medium-sized farms are responsible for more than half of agricultural output. Yet many of these producers lack access to finance, especially in the South, limiting their ability to scale or adopt sustainable practices.

“Empowering smallholders is critical,” says Hugo Garduño Ortega, CEO of agri-fintech platform Verqor. “They are the backbone of our food system, but they need tools and capital to thrive.”

Recognizing this, the Mexican government launched the Harvesting Sovereignty initiative in 2025. With MXN $80 billion pledged by 2030, the program is supporting staple crop production, offering accessible loans, and helping farmers connect directly with buyers.

Innovation at the Core: Tech, Traceability, and Irrigation

Amidst one of the worst droughts in over a decade, with 76% of the country affected, technology is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Traditional irrigation systems waste over 65% of extracted water. The National Irrigation Modernization Program aims to tackle this, investing MXN $62.8 billion through 2030 to help 225,000 producers access efficient, modern systems.

Alongside irrigation, digital technologies like AI and traceability tools are becoming vital. From forecasting yields to managing exports, tech adoption can strengthen supply chains and boost competitiveness (especially when entering new markets with complex regulatory requirements).

All Eyes on Mexico: World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit Returns

Mexico’s role as a regional agri-food leader will take center stage at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, returning to Mexico City on 28-29 October 2025.

Bringing together 400+ agribusiness leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers, the summit will explore:

• How to unlock finance for smallholders and scale sustainable practices
• How Latin America can improve water-use efficiency amid climate pressure
• The future of cold chain logistics and traceability for global exports

With curated networking, start-up showcases, and expert panels, the summit is a hub for solutions and collaboration — all with one goal: building a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive agri-food system for Mexico and beyond.

Register now for the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit Mexico. Use the promo code 'AGTEC10' for a discount.