2120 final report.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

APPENDIX 1: MEMBER STATE REPORTSA2.3. MexicoA2.3.1. OverviewMexico’s output has been growing rapidly over the period since 1990 with output increasing fromapproximately 1 mn tonnes in that year to 1.85 mn tonnes by 2002. This has mainly been driven by astrong rise in per capita consumption from 12.1 kg per head in 1990 to the current 20.3 kg. As inmany other parts of the world, egg production in Mexico has shifted away from small-scale, barnyardoperations and toward large, vertically integrated production systems. It is estimated that very smallunits, though large in number, account for no more than 5% of total output. Mexico’s ten leading eggproducingfirms in 2003 were responsible for approximately 38% of the countries egg production.There are estimated to be some 30 firms with at least 1 million layers who collectively account forabout two-thirds of total output.Fresh shell eggs account for 93% of eggs sold and processing absorbs only 7% but this share is risingrapidly as incomes increase. Trade is equivalent to a very limited part of current production.Currently all commercial production of eggs takes place in cage systems. Animal welfare is not asimportant an issue in Mexico as in many developed countries. For most consumers, the principalconcern is price, according to the industry representatives interviewed in the context of this study.Nevertheless, the issue would appear to be coming on the industry’s radar.The National Poultry Union is currently developing what is called a “Mexican Official Norm”regarding the humanitarian treatment of farm animals. It will deal with such topics as appropriatefeeding, transportation, and ventilation practices. It will not address the issue of density or numberof hens per cage.Mexico is a competitive producer of eggs on an international scale but is not at present significantlyinvolved in trade although this could change in future. Animal welfare concerns are not expected tobe a significant issue for the sector in the near future although there is increasing awareness of thisconcern and some first steps are being taken to address some aspects of this.353