First published by The Hill on November 3, 2022.

As the world reels from the latest supply chain disruption, there is a growing movement internationally to rebuild resilience by increasing domestic production of food for local markets. This is a time for new solutions; unfortunately, there is growing pressure on trade officials to lock in business-as-usual approaches in this new era. Trade will always be an element of sustainable food supplies. However, given the turmoil and supply disruptions in international markets in recent years, some countries are making plans to diversify the sources and types of production needed to feed their people.

Mexico is one such country. When President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in 2019, one of his first initiatives was to establish an official program for food self-sufficiency. Early in his term, his administration announced a series of programs designed to increase local production (especially by smallholder farmers) at fair prices and to transition to production methods that are healthier for the environment and public health.