Ireland’s Minister of State for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD, is in Mexico this week to strengthen trade ties and promote Irish agri-food produce. The visit comes as the modernised EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement nears completion, opening new opportunities for Irish exporters in one of Latin America’s fastest-growing markets.
High-Level Meetings
The three-day mission began with talks between Minister Grealish and Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in fisheries, dairy, and sustainable livestock, while preparing for the trade deal’s implementation.
Grealish also met Javier Calderón, Director General of SENASICA, Mexico’s food safety authority, to address market access for Irish products including pigmeat, dairy, animal byproducts, and feed.
Business Engagement
At a roundtable hosted by Ambassador De Búrca, Grealish joined leading Irish agri-food companies active in Mexico — including Kerry Group, Ornua, Bimeda, Alltech, and drinks sector representatives — to explore growth opportunities.
Marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Mexico, Grealish said he was confident the Irish agri-food sector is “well-placed to continue to grow in Mexico” and highlighted the importance of future engagement with Mexican authorities.
International Cooperation
The delegation will also meet Lina Pohl, FAO representative in Mexico, to discuss regional projects, including Irish-funded initiatives supporting female rural entrepreneurs.
Later, Grealish will travel to Querétaro, home to several Irish businesses, to meet State agriculture representative Rosendo Anaya Aguilar. Talks will focus on local priorities and responses to extreme weather events. The visit concludes at CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Texcoco, a global hub for agricultural research.
Outlook
Minister Grealish emphasised that progress is being made on key market access priorities and pledged continued support for Irish exporters. The mission reflects Ireland’s broader strategy to expand agri-food exports into new markets, leveraging trade agreements and long-standing diplomatic ties.
Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD and Minister Julio Berdegué of Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture & Rural Development Picture by gov.ie
