Mexico to issue standard on cattle and beehive identification

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Mexico to issue standard on cattle and beehive identification

17 febrero, 2025

English

Mexico‘s government has set a goal of issuing a new standard related to cattle and beehive identification by 2025.

To date, work to finalize this new standard is 35 percent complete.

The goal was included in the National Quality Infrastructure Program 2025, published on Monday in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).

Cattle

In 2024, Mexican honey exports were US$59 million, 12.4% less than in the previous year.

Following are Mexican honey exports in millions of dollars, according to data from the Ministry of Economy:

2018: 120.
2019: 68.
2020: 68.
2021: 125.
2022: 136.
2023: 68
2024: 59.

For their part, Mexican beef exports grew at a year-on-year rate of 17.2% in 2024, to 1.3 billion dollars.

Their trend, in millions of dollars, can be seen here:

2018: 756.
2019: 824.
2020: 883.
2021: 718.
2022: 686.
2023: 1,109.
2024: 1,300.

The standard applies throughout the country and is mandatory for owners, exporters and importers of cattle and beehives. It also includes breeders, traders and other actors in the sector. Its purpose is clear: to establish criteria and procedures for individual, permanent and unrepeatable identification of these animals.

With the modification of the instrument, sanitary control will be more efficient. In addition, traceability will be guaranteed and the fight against cattle rustling will be strengthened. At the same time, the basis of the traceability system will be ensured, in accordance with the Federal Animal Health Law. This requires the registration of production units, processing establishments and animal movements.

As a result, traceability will be more effective. It will also be possible to identify the origin of infected herds or apiaries and optimize sanitary procedures in Mexico.

Calves

In 2023, world beef cattle production reached approximately 60 million tons. By 2024, it is estimated to increase to 60.4 million tons, according to Statista.

The beef cattle breeding business focuses on the production and sale of calves after weaning. In addition, infertile animals can be sent to slaughterhouses for slaughter.