Mexico creates state seed company to reduce dependence on imported seeds

The company will be based in Calera, Zacatecas, on the premises of the former National Seed Producer (PRONASE), which was dissolved in 2007, limiting the state’s ability to provide a comprehensive national seed policy.

The Mexican government has announced the creation of a new state-owned company, Seed Production for Well-Being (PROSEBIEN), aimed at increasing the production of certified seeds for key crops. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve food security and reduce reliance on imported seeds, Mexico Business News reported.

The decree establishing PROSEBIEN outlines the company’s mission to support small and medium-sized producers by providing easy and affordable access to certified seeds. The initial focus will be on the production of legumes such as beans and rice, key crops in Mexico’s agricultural landscape. By prioritizing the production of certified seeds, PROSEBIEN aims to improve crop yields, increase competitiveness, and help achieve national food sovereignty.

The company will play a key role in Plan México, a national initiative aimed at increasing food self-sufficiency by 2030. PROSEBIEN’s goals include increasing bean production to 1.2 million tons and rice to 450,000 tons by the end of the decade. The introduction of certified seeds is expected to significantly increase the percentage of land cultivated with high-quality seeds, contributing to increased productivity and improving farmers’ market competitiveness.

In addition to increasing domestic seed production, PROSEBIEN will work to reduce the country’s dependence on imported seeds. This initiative aims to ensure a more reliable and sufficient seed supply, in line with Mexico’s long-term goals of agricultural self-sufficiency and food security.

The creation of PROSEBIEN will support farmers in regions such as Nayarit and Zacatecas, where many small-scale producers have difficulty accessing quality seeds. By providing access to certified seeds, the programme aims to support the country’s agricultural recovery and strengthen its domestic production capacities.

Tags: seeds, Mexico