During a meeting with producers and entrepreneurs of the country's Pork Producers Organisation (OPORPA), the minister said that the government is making agriculture and fishing a strategic priority, with implementation of new policies and programmes aimed at productivity and competitiveness.

In particular, he said that Mexico has potential for growth in the pig sector, with a globally recognised health status. He said that small producers will be included in the value chains and markets, both nationally and internationally.

At the meeting, held at the premises of the agriculture ministry (SAGARPA), several actions were agreed, including OPORPA participation in the Executive Committee for the Productivity of the Hog Chain, and the review and updating of rules to ensure healthy and safe products.

In addition, attendees proposed boosting funding activities, evaluating the operation of insurance funds, and starting marketing schemes and promotional campaigns to strengthen pork consumption nationwide.

The general coordinator of livestock at SAGARPA, Francisco Gurria Trevino said the agency works closely with members of the OPORPA and there is progress in the operation of financial schemes for the installation of production units, as well as meetings with government offices to update rules in this sector.

The president of OPORPA, Heriberto Hernandez Cardenas said that the organisation is composed of producers from Jalisco, Sonora, Guanajuato, State of Mexico, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Durango, Chihuahua, Colima, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala and Mexico City, which accounts for about 70 per cent of national production.