The Honduran Forum reported on the 19th that the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Ángel Acosta, stated that achieving the first live cattle export to Mexico is an important milestone for Honduran agriculture, a national victory that results from Honduran producers strictly adhering to all requirements and demonstrates confidence in the local cattle herd's health quality.
The live cattle export is the result of over three years of technical and diplomatic cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through the National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (Senasa) and Mexico's National Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Quality Agency (Senasica).
The bilateral agreement between Honduras and Mexico ensures exported livestock meets strict standards, including official quarantine, diagnostic testing, health treatment, and compliance with biosecurity standards, which are crucial conditions for entering the most rigorous markets in the Americas.
The National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency Director Emilio Aguilar emphasized that this achievement proves Honduras' ability to comply with international standards and demonstrates the strengthening of its agricultural health system in recent years. Honduras is now prepared to compete with countries that have decades of live cattle trade experience.
Live cattle export has brought optimism to Honduras' livestock sector, representing an opportunity to boost the local economy, increase producer income, and position Honduras on the global map as a reliable agricultural product supplier.
Mario Ayala, president of the Olancho Farmers and Ranchers Association, stated that this is a critical step for the industry that will bring economic income.
Currently, the Honduran government is promoting a "Livestock Subsidy Program" aimed at improving the genetic quality of livestock herds by breeding more disease-resistant and climate-change-adaptable varieties. The program seeks to promote dual-purpose meat and milk animals, aligning with food security and export strengthening objectives.