On February 8, 2024, the first face-to-face meeting of the year took place at the Hyatt Regency Mexico City Hotel. During this meeting, the CNA presented the “Voluntary Report on Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for the Sustainable Development of Mexico 2024-2025.” For those unable to attend in person, a virtual session was held via the Zoom platform, where the report was also presented.

The purpose of both meetings was to share the findings of the Sustainable Agribusiness Workshop, discuss progress based on the Sustainable Development Goals, recognize, and enhance sustainable production practices in the agriculture and aquaculture-fisheries sector, and collaborate with BlackToGreen to develop a diagnostic framework based on agro-climatic risks and pending challenges.

The sessions began with opening messages from Patricia Toledo and Luis Fernando Haro, Director of the National Agricultural Council (CNA) in which they highlighted the collective effort of the companies and organisations of the agri-food sector that participated in the workshops, and which made it possible to carry out the study, which yielded important findings on the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations (UN), which represents a parameter that allows us to know what is the starting point and what are the next steps we must take to achieve the fulfilment of this agenda.

During the development of these sessions, the results regarding advancements, challenges, and opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2024-2025 in the agri-food sector were shared. The importance of sustainability within the sector and the need to bridge the gap in achieving the SDGs through public-private collaboration were emphasized. Examples of companies and organizations that have implemented sustainable practices were presented, underscoring the relevance of sharing these best practices to promote sustainability in the sector.

Three key messages emerged from these sessions:

1. Mexico reported an overall compliance rate of 69.7% with the SDGs.
2. The agricultural policy for the federal administration 2024-2030 should prioritize a social and environmental approach.
3. The prospects for the agricultural sector by 2030, in terms of SDGs, represent an opportunity to define a critical path that enables us to close the gap and move toward greater compliance.

During the session, the contributions of sustainable production policy in the agricultural sector in Mexico were discussed. One of the priority objectives is to increase sustainable production practices in both the agricultural and aquaculture-fisheries sectors, especially in the face of agro-climatic risks.

Regarding interculturalism and gender equality in the agricultural sector, examples of good business and organizational practices were highlighted. Proposed lines of action aim to promote:

• Sustainable practices
• Inclusion of women in the food chain
• Efficient use of water and energy
• Reduction of food losses and waste

The importance of consumer education and collaboration between stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals was also emphasized.

The methodology used to prepare the voluntary report was presented, emphasizing the results obtained regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ten SDGs closely linked to our sector were prioritized, and the presentation was divided into three main parts:

1. Progress by SDGs: This section concentrated on the best practices carried out by the participants.
2. Definition of Lines of Action: Strategies were proposed to promote sustainable practices, including water reuse, certified supplier purchases, and toxic waste control.
3. Concrete Actions in Public Policy: The aim was to achieve compliance with the SDGs. Topics covered included food access, protected areas and biodiversity, energy management, fair pricing, social protection for workers, dignified treatment, interculturality, and equal pay.

In summary, the results related to the 10 priority SDGs set by the National Agricultural Council (NAC) for our sector indicated a 71.42% compliance level among the companies and organizations affiliated with our organization.

To all the change-makers who have already joined this agenda, aiming to transform the agricultural sector from every subsector, we express our deep appreciation for uniting efforts in sustainability. Together, we are creating an action plan to contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of both our present and future generations.