Four Ag Topics Discussed in Mexico City During USMCA Meetings

“This is the moment for us to determine to do away with this abandonment, this disdain and this forgetfulness for Latin America and the Caribbean,” López Obrador said.
“This is the moment for us to determine to do away with this abandonment, this disdain and this forgetfulness for Latin America and the Caribbean,” López Obrador said.
(Farm Journal)

Mexico City ran the headlines this week, as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador hosted President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the 10th North American Leaders' Summit.

In their Tuesday meeting, the three leaders shared a conversation including these top takeaways for the ag industry:

1.    Semiconductor manufacturing

The three agreed to organize a semiconductor forum with industry representatives and government officials in early 2023 to coordinate semiconductor supply chain needs and investments. Semiconductor companies building new manufacturing facilities in the U.S. would like to put parts of their supply chain in Mexico. 

Read more: What to Watch in 2023

2.    Methane and food waste reduction

The countries also committed to reducing methane emissions from the solid waste and wastewater sector by at least 15% by 2030 compared with 2020 levels, and to develop a proposal to cut food loss and waste in half by 2030. 

3.    Energy

Biden, López and Trudeau agreed to create a plan for standards and installation of electric vehicle chargers along their international borders. 

The energy topic comes as Mexican officials are in consultations with the U.S. to avoid a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute panel over Mexican energy policy. Canada has also joined in the complaint. 

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office says the policy puts billions of dollars in U.S. investments at risk.

Canada also has concerns over the implementation of an electric-vehicle provision in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by Biden last year. 

While Trudeau did not elaborate on his concerns, Biden said Trudeau has "always been there" when he reached out. With that, Biden intends to travel to Canada to discuss the matter in March.

Read more: Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border

4.   U.S./Mexico Border Wall

Biden, in the meeting, was met with thanks from López Obrador for not building “even one meter of wall.”

"You are the first president of the United States in a very long time who has not built even one meter of wall. We thank you for that, sir," said López Obrador.

The comments come as the Biden administration announced a program to allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, collectively, to enter the U.S. legally each month.

Still, López Obrador suggested Biden “insist” Congress regularize undocumented Mexican migrants who work in industries where American employers are struggling mightily to find enough workers. 

By the end of the discussion, López Obrador labeled Biden as "a man with conviction.” López Obrador then moved to challenge Biden to improve life across the region, telling him he “holds the key” to change. 

“This is the moment for us to determine to do away with this abandonment, this disdain and this forgetfulness for Latin America and the Caribbean,” López Obrador said.

While López Obrador and Biden reserved a moment for a border wall discussion, no commentary was shared regarding GMO corn trade.

Read more: Mexico's GMO Corn Debate Tabled Until 2025, According to Mexico
 

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.