SEGALMEX, also known as Seguridad Alimentaria Mexicana, is a government agency in Mexico that focuses on ensuring food security and improving the welfare of small-scale farmers. It was formed by merging two agencies, DICONSA and LICONSA, in early 2019.
SEGALMEX will continue to occupy the public agenda in Mexico in the next administration and could even draw the interest of the US DOJ due to implications of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
One of SEGALMEX’s main objectives is to ensure fair prices and provide market access for agricultural products produced by small-scale farmers. It does this through various programs, including creating strategic reserves of staple crops, establishing price stabilization mechanisms, and promoting direct sales channels to eliminate intermediaries and increase farmers’ profits. SEGALMEX also works to improve the nutritional status of marginalized communities by distributing affordable and fortified food products through its “La Canasta Básica” Program, which aims to ensure that low-income families can access essential food items at subsidized prices. Another important initiative led by SEGALMEX is the promotion of agroecology and sustainable farming practices. The agency encourages small-scale farmers to adopt environmentally friendly techniques, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity conservation, and water and energy efficiency.
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