On September 20, 2022, it was held in Mexico City by the Mexican Union of Agrochemical Manufacturers and Formulators (UMFFAAC) a forum with the participation of pesticide manufacturers, producers and agricultural associations, academics, field technicians and representatives of the federal government. The objective was to discuss and understand the updated definitions regarding pesticide regulatory governance. As you currently know in Mexico, the public policy on pesticides is under review and it is important to listen to the points of view of all those involved in this industry in order to contribute to said policy with the objective of human health, care for the environment and agricultural production. On behalf of CAADES we were present on behalf of the President of this organization the Ing. Marte Vega.
The welcome was given by the president of the UMFFAAC, Eng. Luis Eduardo González Cepeda, as well as the QFB Amada Vélez Méndez, who serves as General Director of Agrifood Safety.
Dr. Manuel Flores Romero of the OECD shared the main findings and recommendations of the report on “Regulatory Governance in the Pesticide Sector in Mexico” carried out by said organization. It should be noted that this report was carried out by the OECD for several countries, including Mexico. One of the most important conclusions is to promote the creation of a single body or agency that makes decisions regarding the use of pesticides. Currently there are 3 government entities that participate: SADER, Ministry of the Environment and COFEPRIS. In the same way, he made an invitation to contemplate the dynamics and regulations of other countries in decision-making, without affecting national sovereignty.
Dr. Juan Silva from Mississippi State University shared with us very interesting data regarding food rejections when entering single States, with pesticides being the cause of 19% of them. In 2019, of the total analyzes of the more than 800 pesticide molecules that are analyzed at the border, 49% had no residues, 40% were within the limits, and 11% violated the limits. He also told us that in the United States they use more pesticides per hectare than in Mexico (2.5kg vs. 1.9kg). Dr. he invited producers to be aware and prioritize the proper use of pesticides and sustainability.
A very active organization is Aneberries (Association of Producers of Berries of Mexico). The national food safety officer of this organization, Eng. Noe Guzmán, shared with us the great challenge he faces, since Mexican berries reach more than 38 countries, each with its own regulation. The work is arduous day after day, but the results of the body’s safety area have been able to resolve the challenges that have been presented to them.
It was emotional to have Dr. Denise MacGillivray digitally on behalf of the Canadian Ministry of Health. With national, state and municipal strategies they have been able to regulate the use of pesticides in their country, their main challenge being how dispersed the producers are in such a wide territory. One of their most relevant achievements is an annual report where they transparently share results, analysis, verifications, sanctions and everything related to the use of pesticides.
An important participation of course was that of the QFB Amada Vélez Mendez General Director in SENASICA. She also shared with us details of the report carried out by the OECD. This document mentions that “Mexican regulators do not have a common implementation strategy or a transparent and multi-year plan to adequately monitor the regulatory implementation” of pesticides.
For example, currently each of the three government entities involved have their own powers and impose their own sanctions. They even do independent inspections. Making this process bureaucratic and complicated.
The participation of the president of the UMFFAAC, ing. Luis Eduardo González, was very enriching, we learned that pesticides not only refer to chemical products, but also those biological products that help us reduce pests. An important and delicate fact is that annually between 20 and 30% of the world’s crops are lost due to insects, hence we become aware that pesticides used responsibly become a powerful tool to eradicate hunger at the global level. world.
As mentioned, possible changes are currently in the legislature that could considerably reduce the pesticides used in the country. What producers and associations demand is that decisions be made based on science, since the main losers could be Mexican producers. For example, on behalf of APEAM, Ing. Katy Aguilar participated, who shared with us that if this law was passed as it is, it would reduce the availability of pesticides in the avocado industry from 33 to 11 available molecules. They would be unarmed, since it would be very delicate to take care of the crops in the face of insects.
On behalf of AMOCALI, Mr. Victor Celaya Management shared that the organization annually collects 7,250 tons of containers from suppliers that are members of the organization. At the same time he collects another 3,000 tons whose origin may be unknown.
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During the meal I had the opportunity to share a space with the president, Ing. Luis Eduardo. He considers that it is important to continue involving producers and agricultural organizations such as CAADES so that the result of this legislative process is adequate and that it does not reduce competitiveness before producers from other countries.
By: Georgius Gotsis Fontes, Director of Veggies From Mexico
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