Fernanda Tamez Carrillo, CEO at Suppra Mexico. Fernanda Tamez Carrillo has a Degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from ITESO University and a Postgraduate Degree in Agronomy from Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), complemented by advanced studies in soil fertility and sustainable management. Her career combines a strong academic background with a strategic vision focused on innovation and sustainability in farming.

She is currently the CEO of Suppra Mexico, where she has led the implementation of one of the most advanced biotechnology packages on the domestic market. This development has allowed the recovery of soil fertility, promoting farm productivity through accessible solutions for both small and large farmers. Her focus is aimed at promoting the creation of more sustainable farming systems with healthier and more profitable crops, always prioritizing soil health as a building block for the development of the sector.

Her leadership stands out for her ability to pave the way as a female voice in a predominantly male environment, fostering dialogue, empathy, and collaborative work. Also, Fernanda Tamez is recognized for her active role in specialized forums and conferences, where she promotes responsible practices for soil preservation and the biological cycles of the planet. Her ability to communicate in a clear and effective manner the importance of soil care has positioned her as a benchmark in the agribusiness and environmental fields.

This combination of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to sustainability reflects her significant contribution to the development of modern and responsible farming in Mexico.

1. What is Suppra and what are the main services it offers?

Suppra came to Mexico in 2018. We are based in Jalisco. The company was founded over twenty years ago as a biotechnology research firm. At Suppra Mexico, we provide innovative solutions for the care and development of soil and plants. We are a company which is committed to farming and maintenance of sustainable green areas. The Suppra team strives to eradicate stigmas to pave the way for future: one that prioritizes soil integrity, enabling to use this resource without wearing it out. This way, we seek to preserve not only the soil cycle, but also the planet.

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At Suppra, we firmly believe that soil is the source of life, and that the future of mankind depends on how we care for it today. Farmers, advisors, scientists, and consumers are part of a single interconnected ecosystem, where each action has an impact.

We provide one of the most innovative biotechnology packages in farming today, comprised of: Mycorrhiza, Silicon, Silixir, Activo, Biovita, MicoSilic and Humus. We also provide help in the transition towards sustainability and sustainability over time, training, customized protocols to achieve profitability in production costs, support with research studies in cooperation with soil experts and institutions of the sector, conferences, in-house advisory and technical support.

2. How important do you believe the agri-food sector is in Mexico, and what are the main challenges you consider farmers face today?

The agri-food sector in Mexico is key to the country, not only because it gives us food, but because it is part of our identity, our culture, and our economy. Every taco, every piece of corn, every cup of coffee we enjoy comes from the work of thousands of workers in the field, fishing, and livestock.

This sector not only feeds Mexico, but also the world. Mexico is a top exporter of avocados, berries, tomatoes, and tequila, to name a few. And this is no small achievement.

But despite its importance, farmers face strong challenges today:

Climate change: Rain, intense droughts, and unexpected frosts, all of these affect production cycles. And the field is very resentful of this.

Lack of support and investment: Many small farmers have no access to credit, technology, or training. It is like playing a game without a ball.

Brokers and unfair prices: sometimes, the one who brings production earns less than the seller in the city. It is not fair. We need a more equitable supply chain.

Loss of tradition and rural migration: Many young people are leaving the rural communities seeking other opportunities. Valuable knowledge passed down through generations is being lost.

Access to markets and marketing: Even if the product is excellent, if it does not reach the right market, it gets stuck. There is a lack of connection between the field and the end consumer.

3. What do you think about regenerative farming? How has it been implemented in Mexico? Do you think it is financially viable for farmers?

Regenerative farming is like an ecological upgrade to traditional farming. It not only seeks not to harm the soil, but also to actively improve it. Think about techniques such as crop rotation, cover crops, composting, no tillage, the incorporation of beneficial microorganisms and bacteria, organic matter. At Suppra we are specialists in soil regeneration by restoring the soil microbiota, through a biotechnology package made up of Mycorrhiza, Silicon, Biovita; one of our star products due to its high concentration of organic matter which, other than giving soil a better texture and fertility, it feeds the Mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria in the soil, with our package we help capture carbon, increase biodiversity, improve water retention among many other benefits that are just the basis of what regenerative farming pursues. At Suppra, we support and promote this type of farming. We believe that healthy soil is a living soil. This year our campaign is called “Living Soil, Prosperous Future” which is maybe small, but has an impact on awareness.

In Mexico, in our particular case, we have very interesting research projects in various regions and states of Mexico such as Chiapas, Jalisco, Sinaloa, Baja California, Torreon, Michoacan, Campeche, Tamaulipas, Queretaro, Aguascalientes, Monterrey, Estado de Mexico, Hermosillo, and many other states. We are also seeing an increase in initiatives, especially in coffee, cocoa, avocado, and corn.

Yes, it is economically and environmentally viable and essential for the soil and human, animal, and plant life preservation. At first, it may seem more costly because practices must be changed, personnel trained, staff must be trained, and we must remove the fear of farmers of the fact that they will be producing less; that is a myth. Production may decrease only if you do not use innovative biotechnology and if you do not learn and take time the time to understand how the soil works, but in the medium and long term, it is quite profitable. Why? We use fewer chemical inputs; thus, we reduce input costs, we have healthier soils, which translates into better yield and climate resilience. This increases the product value, especially if you achieve certification as organic or regenerative, get access to premium markets, and green financing.

Many farmers see this as a way not to rely so much on expensive agrochemicals, reduce risks in the face of climate change, and enter a more demanding, but also more lucrative market. Regenerative farming in Mexico is on the right track, especially in communities with access to alternative markets; it is economically viable and extremely valuable at an environmental and social levels.

4. Would you mind sharing with is what sustainability is and how farmers can implement this practice in their operations?

Sustainability, in a nutshell, is doing things with love and respect for the planet today so as not to ruin tomorrow. In the farming context, it means producing food in a way that protects the soil, water, and biodiversity, while ensuring that the people who work in the field live well and are able to continue producing in the future.

It is about creating farming systems which are economically viable, socially fair, and environmentally responsible. In other words, it is to care for the planet, treating people well, and genuinely care about their health; all of these actions achieve an economic In other words, I believe that today farming economy is broken because we first break the biological cycles of our planet by abusing it. By breaking the biological cycles, we break the soil cycle, and therefore we are breaking down the economic cycle.

Some top practices for being sustainable without sacrificing productivity include crop rotation and diversity, responsible water management, use of organic fertilizers based on Biotechnology, clean energy, social and community wellbeing, and purposeful technology. Mostly, overcoming the fear of learning about and implementing new farming practices and reaching out to experts for this imminent transition in how to conduct farming. At Suppra, we have customized and tailor-made protocols tailored to fit the needs of each farmer and each crop, offering inputs of the highest quality and profitability. For all these recommendations, there is one fundamental point: we must remove the word “crisis” from our vocabulary and understand that we are in a transition toward the evolution of a more aware humanity.

It is worth being sustainable because it is the present and future of our lives within the great living organism that is our beloved planet Earth. Today, consumers are paying increasing attention to how their food is produced, and international markets are already demanding sustainable practices and, above all, if we do not take care of our planet Earth today, there will not be any harvest left to save tomorrow. “We are all responsible for taking care of our home, the planet.”

5. What are the main trends that you believe will impact the industry in the upcoming years?

In the upcoming years, the farming industry will undergo a major transformation, but be careful, we are not just talking about more technology or more efficient crops, but rather of a change in mentality where community and cooperation will be key. Let me share with you the main trends that are already leading the way.

Knowledge no longer flows from the top down. There is a huge trend towards “peer-to-peer training”: farmers teaching others, sharing real-life experiences. Also, social media, podcasts, YouTube channels, and even WhatsApp groups are democratizing the knowledge in farming in an amazing way.

Community-based business models, such as urban orchards; we are seeing an increase in schemes where consumers engage directly with those who produce their food. It is a way to eliminate middlemen, but also to build trust, fairness, and even emotional ties to the land.

In summary: the future of farming is not solitary, it is collective. We are going to see more collaboration, more networks, more circularity, and more awareness to realize that what happens in the field is not just a problem for the field. Real change comes when everyone farmers, consumers, businesses, and governments see each other as part of the same harvest, from a united community.

6. How do you think consumers have changed in the last 10 years, and what impact has this had on the farming industry worldwide?

I am seeing that people are now much more aware of what they eat and where their food comes from.

There is a deeper focus on sustainability, health, and wellbeing. For example, many prefer organic or fair-trade products, and this has caused brands and farmers to adjust to these demands.

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I also believe technology has played an significant role. With the rise of social media and mobile apps, consumers can access product information and make more informed choices of what to buy. All of this has led to a shift in how food is produced and distributed globally. In summary, consumers are promoting a shift towards a more conscious and responsible farming system. It is an exciting time for food and farming!

7. Is there anything else you would like to add?

“The land not only feeds us, but it also teaches us. Every seed planted is a promise for the future, but it is also a call to responsibility. We are not owners of the soil; we are its guardians. Farming should not be measured only in tons harvested, but in the legacy we leave behind: living soils, clean water, dignified communities, and generations full of hope. True progress relies not in wearing out the land, but in understanding, respecting, and regenerating it. Because producing with awareness is planting eternity.”

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