At an institutional gathering held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), two key agreements were signed, reflecting the Government of Mexico’s commitment to strengthening national agrifood systems and advancing international cooperation in the rural sector.
During the ceremony, the International Cooperation Agreement between the SRE and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRICULTURA) was signed, along with the Specific Cooperation Agreement between the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and CIMMYT.
Both agreements establish the foundation for the implementation of the project titled “Advancing Towards Integrated Agrifood Innovation Systems in Mexico,” whose main objective is to strengthen technical capacities across rural territories to move toward food self-sufficiency. This will be achieved through training initiatives, technical support, and knowledge transfer within rural communities.
“Thanks to the commitment of these institutions, today we take a key step toward strengthening the country’s agrifood systems,” said Sarah Hearne, Director of Science and Innovation at CIMMYT, during the project presentation. She emphasized that this initiative addresses both national priorities and global challenges, including the effects of climate change and disruptions in food supply chains.
The project includes comprehensive interventions in six priority states: Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, and Puebla. It is structured around three core components:
- Train-the-Trainer Model: Strengthening leaders of technical teams in Field Schools (ECAs).
- Technical Support: Focused on sustainable intensification practices and productive diversification.
- Comprehensive Support to Lead Farmers: With materials and tools tailored to local contexts.
This inter-institutional effort marks tangible progress in aligning diplomacy and agriculture, in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan and Plan Mexico. It also reflects a new approach to international cooperation—one more connected to local needs.
Furthermore, this is a pioneering project in its class, leveraging innovative management mechanisms to enable implementation within the country. The signing also exemplifies coordinated work between national and international actors committed to sustainable rural development.
Capacity development 
