Led by Minister of Agriculture María Ignacia Fernández, the official visit to Mexico marked a decisive step for strengthening health cooperation, facilitating agri-food trade, and boosting the international competitiveness of Chilean meat. During the visit, key agreements were signed that will deepen bilateral relations and open up new opportunities for Chilean livestock.
During the trip, Minister Fernández met with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to safe, fair, and diversified agri-food trade. The Chilean delegation also included representatives from the private sector, including ChileCarne Business Manager Rodrigo Castañón, showing how authorities and trade associations are working together to boost new business opportunities and strengthen health cooperation. Progress was also made towards signing new agreements on innovation, science and technology, sustainable livestock farming, and efficient water use.
One of the mission’s priority issues was to move forward with the implementation of electronic certification (ECERT) for livestock products traded between the two countries. This tool, which is expected to become operational in November of this year, marks a key step toward facilitating trade and strengthening health traceability between Chile and Mexico.
The other topic raised by Minister Fernández was the creation of a public-private project to advance the implementation of a “Smart Zoning” model based on the use of information technologies, which would improve SAG and producing companies’ ability to manage risks related to the introduction and spread of diseases that affect trade. Secretary Berdegué is committed to having SENASICA review this arrangement once SAG provides access to the platform, which is expected to be operational in 90 days. Chile’s ultimate goal is to ensure that, through additional guarantees, Mexico recognizes Chile’s zoning schemes based on 10 km surveillance zones, as Canada and the US have done.
“Despite challenging circumstances, Chile and Mexico are strengthening their common agenda—which includes technical and scientific cooperation, plant and animal health, and trade facilitation through electronic certification—under sustainable standards. Let’s reaffirm agriculture as a driver of growth, with a focus on small producers, rural women, and sustainable food systems,” he said.
ChileCarne emphasized that signing and expanding health and trade agreements with strategic markets is essential for the sector’s growth and international competitiveness.
“Mexico is one of the biggest destinations for Chilean chicken exports. The agreements made during this visit help our trade relationship with Mexico and establish Chile as a reliable partner for providing safe, high-quality food. Thanks to collaborative work between the public and private sectors, we can continue to position our industry as one that follows high standards of health and safety,” said Castañón.
Health cooperation and new business opportunities
With regard to livestock trade, both parties noted that electronic certification for plant products is working well and will soon be extended to livestock products, which will bring concrete benefits for exporters and importers.
Two key documents were signed at the meeting held on September 23: a General Agreement on Technical and Scientific Cooperation, which sets out the framework for areas such as animal and plant health, water efficiency, family farming, and sustainable production systems; and a Specific Agreement on health-related matters between the competent authorities of both countries.
Both documents lay the groundwork for the joint development of initiatives through the exchange of information and technology, technical visits, training activities, and joint publications. In addition, they incorporate key tools such as electronic certification and joint assessment mechanisms that will benefit both producers and consumers.
In closing, the authorities affirmed that bilateral cooperation will prioritize two strategic areas: promoting sustainable and climate-resilient livestock farming that considers gender, and strengthening efficient water management as the foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural development. They underscored the role of the Mexico-Chile Joint Fund as a key tool for promoting best practices and public policies that benefit both countries.
