The Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, inaugurated the forum, The Future of Tilapia in Mexico.
Gobierno de México
The Government of Mexico has confirmed that one of its goals is to achieve self-sufficiency in tilapia production in 2030, as it is an important source of protein for human consumption and contributes to food sovereignty.
To meet this challenge, the Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Energy, may utilize the Electric Energy Saving Trust Fund (Fideicomiso para el Ahorro de Energía Eléctrica in Spanish) to support the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
According to government data, there are at least 81,000 people involved in aquaculture in Mexico; of these, 45,000 are dedicated to tilapia production, and 90% of them operate on a small scale, meaning their work directly impacts the well-being and quality of life of coastal and rural communities.
Moreover, tilapia in Mexico reached a production value of 2.664 billion pesos in 2024 (around 156 million USD) and has shown steady growth in its cultivation within the aquaculture sector.
"Today, a very important part of the future of food production—both fish and seafood—lies in aquaculture. That’s where we need to place a strong bet," said Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the opening of The Future of Tilapia in Mexico – National Forum for Sectoral Dialogue, organized by the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca).
The event was attended by aquaculture producers, specialists, and public servants from Conapesca and the Mexican Institute for Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS).
Attendees discussed the challenges and opportunities surrounding tilapia farming. Additionally, a short-, medium-, and long-term roadmap is planned, to be led by Francisco Javier Martínez Cordero, General Director of Infrastructure at Conapesca.
