Agriculture in Mexico 2025: Between challenges and opportunities

Most important food and export products grown

Mexico has established itself as a major global agricultural producer and ranks as the eighth largest exporter of agricultural and food products worldwide^1. Agriculture contributes around 3.6% to Mexico's GDP^1with a production of around 286 million tons of different foods in 2018^2.

Main crops

Maize is at the heart of Mexican agriculture as a cultural and economic foundation. As Country of origin of maize builds Mexico Numerous traditional maize varieties whereby three million small farmers cultivate this crop^3. The Constitution bans the cultivation of genetically modified maize since March 2025 to preserve genetic diversity^4.

Other important staple foods are Beans, wheat and rice. With the program, the government aims to "Cosechando Soberanía" (Harvesting sovereignty) one 30%arget increase in bean production within six years on^6.

Export hit

Avocados dominate as Mexico's most important agricultural export product. The country produces about one third of the world's avocados and reached 2025 a Record production of 3.03 million tons^8. Michoacán produces 68% of Mexican avocadosfollowed by Jalisco (12%)^8.

Tomatoes are the second most important export vegetable with a Annual production of 4.1 million tons^10. Other important export products include:

• Oranges (4.6 million tons annually)^10

• Coffee and cocoa from the southern states^6

• Beer (Mexico is World's largest beer exporter)^11

• Tequila and mezcal as specialty spirits^11

Self-sufficiency and import dependency

Mexico is struggling with a critical import dependency for basic foodstuffs. 45% of food requirements are importedwhere over 70% of imports come from the USA^12. The dependency is particularly serious in the case of:

• Rice: 80% are imported^13

• Maize: 35% from imports (mainly forage maize)^13

• Wheat: 70% imported^13

The Food sovereignty has deteriorated drastically since NAFTA 1994. Before the free trade agreement, Mexico only imported 10% of its food^12. Today, this dependency leads to considerable vulnerability to Price fluctuations and political pressure^12.

Organic farming and sustainable cultivation methods

Status quo of organic farming

Mexico develops a growing organic sector with federal organic standards since 2006^14. The Mexican law for organic products (LPO) has been regulating the sale of organic products more strictly since 2021^15. 15 approved certification bodies monitor the organic standards^14.

The most important organic growing regions are Michoacán (avocado), Jalisco (agave), Chiapas (coffee, mango) and Veracruz (coffee, citrus fruits)^15.

Permaculture and alternative approaches

Permaculture initiatives are gaining in importance, especially in Chiapas and other southern states. The Lum Ha'" project in Chiapas demonstrates on seven hectares Sustainable agriculture with keyline design, reforestation and bio-construction^16.

Agroecological methods are subsidized by the state: 85 research projects with over 700 experts have 87 agroecological management plans covering 17,000 hectares developed, which Higher yields without glyphosate achieve^17.

Environmental protection measures

Mexico has Glyphosate gradually banned and works on 100% Mexican herbicide alternatives^18. The state promotes Biodiversity-friendly agriculture and the Protection of pollinators through national strategies^19.

Water supply and climate challenges

Water crisis

Mexican agriculture is facing a dramatic water crisis. 75% of water consumption is attributable to agriculture^20while 70.7% of the country affected by drought are^20.

Critical water situation 2025:

• Almost 300 communities suffer from extreme drought^21

• The Cutzamala water system is only filled to 28%^22

• 20 of the 32 states could experience severe water stress by 2050^23

Soil fertility

Land degradation affects around 100 million hectares - half of Mexico's land area^24. The main causes are Deforestation, erosion and intensive agriculture^24.

Positive developments can be seen in Organic farming projects: Indigenous communities regenerate in Oaxaca rock-hard, leached soils through Compost, crop rotation and terracing^25.

Effects of climate change

84% of the Mexican territory was affected by drought in 2021^26. The Climate change exacerbated by El Niño phenomena leads to:

• Extreme droughts especially in the north

• Record forest fires (over 4,000 fires in 2021)^26

• Loss of 13-27% of agricultural land by 2050^24

Agricultural exports

Mexico exported in 2024 agricultural products worth 41 billion US dollars^1. The most important agricultural exports include:

Main export products by value:

• Avocados: 1.48 million tons forecast for 2025^8

• Beer: 6.5 billion US dollars (2024), 96% to the USA^11

• TomatoesMexico is most important tomato supplier for the USA

• Coffee and cocoa: Important export goods from Chiapas and Veracruz

• Tequila and spirits: Growing international demand

Target countries: 80% of agricultural exports go to the USAfollowed by Europe, Japan and Canada^27.

Initiatives for sustainable agriculture

Government programs

The Program "Sembrando Vida" (sowing life) is Mexico's largest reforestation and agricultural initiative. It supports farmers in Cultivation of trees on at least 2.5 hectares and promotes sustainable agricultural practices^28.

"Cosechando Soberanía" aims at Food sovereignty with:

• 54 billion pesos investment (2.4 billion euros)^6

• Support for 750,000 farmers by 2030^6

• Favorable loans with 8.5% interest rate (Halving of the market interest rate)^6

International cooperation

Germany-Mexico cooperation promote Sustainable agriculture through:

• GIZ projects to the Transformation of agricultural and food systems^29

• Biodiversity mainstreaming in agriculture^19

• Groundwater management programs in cooperation with private companies^30

Challenges for sustainable development

Structural problems

• Extreme fragmentation: 85% of maize farmers cultivate less than 5 hectares^3

• Water-intensive export crops intensify the drought problem

• Climate change vulnerability especially for small farmers

• Uneven regional development between north and south

Opportunities and potential

• Growing international demand for Mexican organic products

• Traditional knowledge indigenous communities for sustainable practices

• Favorable climate zones for diversified agriculture

• New technologies for water management and soil protection

Paths to food sovereignty

Possibility of extensive self-sufficiency

One Extensive food sovereignty is fundamentally possible for Mexicobut requires Structural reforms:

Most important steps:

1. Strengthening small farmers through better loans and technical support

2. Diversification of production away from export monocultures

3. Water management revolution with efficient irrigation systems

4. Promotion of agroecological practices for soil regeneration

5. Regional value chains instead of dependence on US imports

Success factors: The Mexican food system (SAM) of the 1980s already proved that Self-sufficiency is possible. At that time, Mexico imported only 10% of its food^12.

The Combination of traditional knowledge, modern technologies and political will Mexico could pave the way to greater nutritional independence pave the way, even if the Challenges posed by climate change and water shortages are significant.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

This in-depth, cutting-edge analysis of agriculture in Mexico brings to light both the light and the shadows: from the rich agricultural heritage, diversity of products and ancient ties of indigenous communities to the challenges of water crisis, climate change, import dependency and fragmentation. Let's bring together the key points and then show what potential lies in a new agriculture that is oriented towards the common good:

Summary: Mexico's agriculture in 2025 - situation & opportunities

• Main crops:
  Corn (central to culture and nutrition), beans, wheat, rice; plus coffee, cocoa, avocados, oranges, tomatoes, beer, tequila.

• Export hit:
  Avocados, tomatoes, beer, spirits; the majority of exports go to the USA.

• Critical import dependency:
  45 % of food is imported (especially rice, corn, wheat); 70 % of imports come from the USA. Before NAFTA, the share of imports was only 10 %.

• Food sovereignty:
  Poor, but with structural reforms and political will it would be possible (again).

• Organic/permaculture and sustainable approaches:
  Growing rapidly (especially in Michoacán, Chiapas, Jalisco, Veracruz). Many initiatives for organic farming, permaculture, glyphosate ban, regional projects & indigenous knowledge systems.

• Climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation:
  Threatening situation, many regions are suffering from drought, erosion and water shortages. Many small farmers are vulnerable.

• National and international programs:
  "Sembrando Vida", "Cosechando Soberanía", cooperation with Germany (GIZ), agroecological projects.

• Opportunities:
  Lots of traditional knowledge, favorable climate zones, growing demand for organic products, new technologies & international alliances.

Inspiration

1. the elemental force of diversity: Mexico is as fertile as its diversity! The Gradido principle honors every small farmer, every indigenous community, every traditional seed as a living treasure. Appreciation and "prosperity for all" grow from below, not from outside or above.

2. from import dependency to food sovereignty: Gradido can help to strengthen local economic cycles and regional food chains - with appreciation for the very people who nourish their land. Every nutrient that remains regional strengthens community and resilience.

3. organic, permaculture & collaborative innovation: The combination of old knowledge, modern technologies and commitment is supported and made visible by Gradido. Community-financed agriculture (e.g. community-supported agriculture, permaculture villages) can be directly rewarded and expanded.

4. appreciation instead of monocultures: Instead of export pressure, customs stress, monoculture and exploitation, crop rotation, diversity, healthy soil and water, recorded and rewarded community work flourish with Gradido - all organized digitally and ecologically.

5. water cycles as a joint task: With Gradido, villages and communities can jointly finance modern irrigation systems, water conservation and soil regeneration without having to rely on lobby interests.

6. nutrition as a human right & a matter of the heart: Everyone receives recognition and participation; no one has to go hungry. The system makes it possible for even the weakest to recognize their value to the community and to live.

Conclusion:
Mexico already carries all the seeds for true food sovereignty, agricultural resilience and the healing of people and planet! With Gradido, the countless small initiatives, traditional knowledge and new technologies can grow into a large, shining network - for an agriculture that not only exports, but also nourishes its own soul and community.