Miguel Ángel Curiel, General Manager of Driscoll's México.

The year 2020 was characterized by an unprecedented event, a global health emergency caused by COVID-19 that had a significant impact on all aspects of our lives and, naturally, on the different economic sectors of the country, aspects of which I will discuss. in more depth throughout this reflection.

In the case of the agri-food sector, we face multiple challenges: on the one hand, maintaining our activities so as not to interrupt the food chain, understanding our responsibility as an essential activity and reaffirming our commitment to guarantee a healthy and nutritious diet, especially during a time when that a balanced diet that helps protect the immune system from external threats became even more relevant. On the other hand, we had to reinforce and redouble our efforts to prioritize the health, integrity and well-being of all those who carry out activities throughout the supply chain; Our commitment to caring for those who help us bring the healthiest foods to our tables is the backbone of our operations.

Despite this, the agri-food industry demonstrated not only its ability to face great challenges, but also the possibility of coming out of this crisis even stronger. In this sense, and as evidenced by data from the Agrifood and Fisheries Information System (SIAP), last year the agricultural sector produced 262.5 million tons of food (91.2 percent of the total) with a value of MX $ 675.25 billion (US $ 32 billion) (56,3 percent). In addition, due to the convergence of natural resources, geographical arrangement and a great diversity of agricultural workers, Mexico ranks 11th in the world in production.

Growing stronger growing together

Mexicans have always been characterized by being able to face the most adverse situations, probably in part because of our great creative capacity and our natural desire to work together for the benefit of our families. Therefore, it does not surprise me that Mexican producers demonstrated a vigorous force that resulted in the agri-food sector being the only industry that posted a positive performance in 2020, growing 2.7 percent in a year in which the general economy contracted 9.8 percent. Although the number may seem small, it is significant when considering the contractions observed within industry (-12,2 percent) and services (-8,6 percent).

Mexico is an agro-export power, there is no doubt about that. And it's not just because we have a billion dollar food surplus, or an extensive network of 13 free trade agreements with 52 nations that allow us to reach 1,352 billion people around the world. No, our strength is in the people, in the dedication they put into their work to be able to bring the best products to millions of tables, always with the certainty that each product comes with a quality guarantee.

The berry industry is a clear example of this. Thanks to the dedication of the farmers and the excellence in their work, we have managed to make berries the third most exported agri-food product in the country, only after beer and avocado. This has allowed Mexico to position itself as the No. 3 country in the largest number of exports of this product, with a market share of 11.8 percent, generating a value of US $ 2,62 billion, which represents a great opportunity to do our part and share development schemes with and for the community, to which we owe our industry.

Promotion of opportunities for all

The agricultural sector has always offered development opportunities and is expected to continue to do so in the years to come. Certainly, to improve the well-being of the industry and achieve shared economic growth, the central focus must be on farm workers and their families, who are often forgotten. Agribusiness has a promising future and generates around 7 million jobs in Mexico. We must continue walking steadily towards the construction of a prosperous field that ensures the best conditions for all those workers who have contributed to positioning Mexico in the place it has earned; to put them at the center of the strategy, as they are the core of our daily activities.

I have no doubt, dear reader, that we must look towards our communities, ensure their well-being, since their strengthening contributes to shared development. To do this, it is essential that we continue to build bridges that contribute to synergy between the private sector, the authorities of the three levels of government, academia and civil society, in such a way that through close, responsible, committed and transparent, we can continue to contribute to making agricultural employment a viable and real alternative for our people.