Luis Ortega Reyes, Deputy CEO, Ministry of Agriculture, Mexico talks about why overgrazing is one of the major problems facing the agricultural sector in the country.

70% of Mexico’s farms are used for grazing but Reyes says poor management by ranchers has led to overgrazing, damaged vegetation and a reduction in water and carbon capture.

In order to tackle this, Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture has launched a programme through which ranchers can receive money in exchange for improving the management of their farms.

Ranchers are asked to carry out grazing activities that are proportionate to the resources they have and commit to at least two soil and water conservation projects over a 5 year period.

Reyes says the response to the programme has been positive and most of Mexico’s ranchers are now involved.

Reyes adds that although ranchers should realise that appropriate practices should be done in and for themselves, the programme is a helpful incentive to improving the agricultural sector in Mexico.