Mexican Dairy Industry Calls for Improved Water Management Amidst Scarcity

The Mexican dairy industry is facing significant challenges due to water scarcity, with agriculture consuming a substantial 75% of the nation's water resources. However, inefficiencies in the sector lead to approximately 66% of this water being wasted. This situation is compounded by the inactivity of around 2,000 water treatment plants across Mexico, which remain non-operational due to a lack of maintenance and funding.

Major players in the industry, including Nestlé, Danone, and Veolia, have called for immediate action to address these issues. During a summit organized by Veolia Mexico, representatives highlighted the critical need for infrastructure improvements to ensure water security, acknowledging the threat posed by structural scarcity to operational continuity.

Raúl Rodríguez, president of the Water Advisory Council, emphasized the disproportionate regulatory pressure on the manufacturing sector despite its lower water consumption of less than 5%. He noted the urgent requirement for investment in advanced water treatment technologies and the modernization of irrigation systems in agriculture.

Corporate strategies are being developed to mitigate water usage impacts, with Danone aiming for total water compensation by 2030 through various sustainable practices. Similarly, Nestlé has stressed the importance of cross-sector coordination to effectively tackle the water crisis, as the majority of water resources are beyond the control of individual companies.

The dairy sector's leaders are advocating for collaborative efforts between public and private entities to enhance water management and improve agricultural efficiency, which is crucial for the sustainability of the industry in Mexico.