Interview: Eng. ICCA Carlos Batiz Murillo – Commercial Technician at Grupo Ivanka & Certified Crop Adviser
Carlos Batiz is an agricultural engineer specialized in production, graduated from Tecnologico de Monterrey (Campus Ciudad Obregon, Sonora). He has been devoted to the farming industry for over 30 years.
He became a part of the early stages of the tech foundation in Sinaloa, coordinating observation trips and technology transfer within Mexico and the US, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Netherlands, Spain, Korea, and Israel, in terms of production systems and sustainable agronomic management of crops, plant nutrition, machinery, greenhouses, as well as plant health protection for fruit trees, grains, and produce.
He is a certified consultant by the American Society of Agronomy since 2023 and certified by FAO as a “Soil Doctor” trainer to participate in the great global alliance for soil health in which Mexico is a participating country.
He specifically works as a commercial technician for Ivanka Group in the fertilizer division, focusing on providing technical assistance in the area of high-efficiency plant nutrition.
1. What is the most challenging and the most beautiful aspect of farming to you?
The most challenging aspect of farming is the critical decisions (risks are high and pressures have increased over time) with tight margins, new technologies, pest concerns, extreme climates, and consumer pressures to achieve sustainability in supply chains of farming.
The most beautiful and satisfying thing is when you achieve results, make the necessary decisions by being consistent with science and the best practices.
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2. What are the main duties of a commercial technician advisor for production companies?
Among the main duties of a crop advisor, there is to ensure they have the necessary experience and knowledge for the production companies they work for.
3. What do you think about food safety and social responsibility in the farming industry? How important do you think it is, and how has it evolved, based on your experience?
Food safety is the sum of several practices that allow us to grow, package, distribute, and market healthy, appealing, and nutritious products. Mexico, and particularly Sinaloa, are leaders in adhering to the regulations demanded by international markets.
With regards to social responsibility, it provides us with an atmosphere of respect among the people involved in the value chain, regarding the environment and our natural resources.
In this sense, I recognize the efforts made by Veggies From Mexico for promoting the activities that companies in their community develop on a daily basis in benefit of their workers in terms of Social Responsibility.
4. How important do you think sustainability is in the farming industry, and what changes have you observed in consumer expectations for fresh products?
Helping global farming develop sustainability has become more difficult, as the sums do not add up. On the one hand, we are being affected by a reduction in arable land, with much less availability of irrigation water and, on the other hand, with a growing population demanding more and better-quality food; all of the above together with growing economies far from production areas. This is why it becomes particularly important to study the logistical possibilities for accessing these markets and continue growing with quantity and quality, without compromising the natural resources we have.
5. Would you mind sharing with us a little bit about your appointment as a “Certified Crop Adviser” by the American Society of Agronomy?
This program arises from the initiative of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) by a group of agronomists, industry, companies, businesses, and academic institutions in 1907, devoted to advancing agronomy and sustainable farming practices.
This appointment means that the institution will evaluate four technical competencies:
- Soil and water management
- Vegetable Nutrition
- Integrated Pest, Disease, and Weed Management
- Agronomic Management
The goal is to promote international standards of knowledge, establishing synergies with academic, scientific, government, and business organizations.
This is a commitment to lifelong learning and adherence to the DELICCA code of ethics.
6. What benefits does obtaining this certificate represent for farming technicians?
When you get the certification, you join a community of over 13,000 technicians in the largest and most recognized agriculture-oriented certification program in North America, which validates the commitment of employers with their clients, with proper use of natural resources, and both food safety and security.
Professional standards of the ICCA program are widely prestigious by the industry, academia, and government agencies.
A significant value of the ICCA program and community is that it creates a genuine and active feedback cycle.
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7. What are the areas of opportunity and challenges you consider the industry faces in consolidating its position in international markets?
The areas of opportunity will always be finding emerging markets, especially at a time when our domestic production is being affected by issues of tariff barriers.
I also believe that the challenges the industry has are related to eco-intensification: related to becoming more efficient with water use and management, to each fertilizer and agrochemical unit, to the quantity and quality of our crops, and to soil regeneration.
8. How important is a promotional strategy in specialized and digital media for companies in the fresh food industry?
Very important, as the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) says, “Tell your History,” show the world how, when, and what you produce, talk about the process by adhering to world-class regulations to reach international markets.
9. Finally, what recommendation would you like to share with the new generations interested in the farming sector?
I would tell them to educate themselves and take advantage of the privilege of having access to education. Opportunities and challenges await them. With commitment and responsibility, this is how they will put good practices in motion for their professional development and ethical performance.
The ICCA program in Mexico offers them this experience.
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