Mexico's evolving role in global agtech and sustainable food production will take center stage at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, returning to Mexico City on 28 and 29 October 2025. With climate volatility, water shortages, and trade dependency creating uncertainty in the Americas, the country is turning to market diversification, agtech innovation, and smallholder financing as pillars of its evolving agri-food strategy.
Known globally for high-value exports such as avocados, berries, and agave, Mexico shipped over 500,000 tons of berries in 2023, 90% of which went to the U.S. and Canada. But reliance on a single export destination is now being questioned. "Overdependence on one export route makes any economy fragile," says Marion Avril, Sustainability and Social Innovation Director at Driscoll's. "It's time to think beyond borders."
© World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
New markets, new crops
Mexico's push to broaden its export reach mirrors the diversification path taken by countries like Peru, which now exports to over 60 global markets. Japan, China, the UAE, and Southeast Asia are increasingly opening their doors to Mexican produce, including avocados, dragon fruit, and agave-based beverages.
However, success in new markets depends on more than agricultural potential. It requires substantial investment in postharvest infrastructure and regulatory compliance. "Mexico has the biodiversity and crop quality to compete in global markets," Avril says. "But traceability, cold chain logistics, and quality assurance are must-haves."
Supporting smallholders through financing
Beyond exports, food system resilience also depends on domestic producers. Small and medium-sized farms account for more than half of Mexico's agricultural output, yet many lack access to finance and scalable technologies.
"Empowering smallholders is critical," says Hugo Garduño Ortega, CEO of Mexico-based agri-fintech platform Verqor. "They are the backbone of our food system, but they need tools and capital to thrive." To address this, the government launched the Harvesting Sovereignty initiative in early 2025. Backed by MXN $80 billion through 2030, the program supports staple crop production, offers low-interest loans, and facilitates direct producer–buyer connections.
Irrigation and innovation under drought pressure
As of 2025, more than 75% of Mexico is facing drought conditions, making modern irrigation and water-use efficiency a national priority. Traditional irrigation systems waste over 65% of extracted water, and government interventions are now focusing on modernization.
The National Irrigation Modernization Program, announced this year, allocates MXN $62.8 billion through 2030 to help over 220,000 producers access efficient technologies. Meanwhile, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and traceability tools are being deployed to forecast yields, manage export logistics, and ensure compliance with evolving food safety standards.
Mexico City to host World Agri-Tech Summit
Over 400 delegates are expected to attend. Discussions will center on unlocking smallholder finance and promoting inclusive growth, advancing irrigation tech amid extreme climate conditions, as well as scaling cold chain logistics and global traceability tools. Start-up showcases, one-on-one meetings, and expert panels will spotlight innovations shaping Latin America's agri-food sector.
Register here.
For more information:
World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 
Andrea Diaz Soria, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
www.worldagritechmexico.com