Sustainable agriculture for environmental and economic well-being

Sustainable agriculture is one that meets the food needs of present generations, while taking care to promote practices that seek healthy ecosystems where the use of land, water and wildlife are managed in a balanced way.

In this way, for agriculture to be labeled as sustainable, it must meet certain characteristics, such as guaranteeing care for the environment without neglecting the economic profitability of producers. This harmony addresses both the current needs of the planet and those of farmers and consumers.

In recent years, the growth of agricultural production has become more complex due to its impacts on natural resources and the environment. In this sense, having a sustainable and comprehensive strategy on the part of all industries is a prevailing need, which requires an avid commitment from all those involved, to contribute to the care of the land where our food is grown.

As part of this commitment, Grupo Herdez developed a Sustainable Agriculture Program, with which not only has care for the soil and water been sought, but has also benefited producers to get closer to markets to which they previously had no access.

Through compliance with a work decalogue, the safety of the products is guaranteed, as well as good sustainable cultivation practices, which guarantee that the obtaining of raw materials meets the company’s high quality standards and helps to obtain certifications. that are required to export internationally.

These good practices have shown that the impact on the environment is reduced, the quality of the products is raised, and, at the same time, agricultural producers increase their economic income since sustainable agriculture does not represent a greater investment for them.

At the end of 2021, 97% of our agricultural suppliers met 100% of the decalogue criteria. Likewise, in a period of 6 years, suppliers have reported savings from half a million to 11 million pesos, due to the reduction in the use of pesticides.

At Grupo Herdez, with more than 100 years of operations in Mexico, we understand that caring for the fields not only guarantees the quality of our products, but also the permanence of our business, the food security of our country, and the well-being of the communities around us. throughout our entire value chain. With these good practices, we are part of the companies committed to sustainability at all levels.

*The author is Deputy Director of Operations at Grupo Herdez.