President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced a significant leadership change at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). Engineer Columba Jazmín López Gutiérrez has been appointed as the new head of the department. This appointment is a historic milestone as it is the first time a woman has been chosen to lead agricultural policy in Mexico. She replaces Dr. Julio Berdegué Sacristán, who has moved into a specialised advisory role within the government.
López Gutiérrez brings a deep technical background to the position. She graduated as an agricultural engineer from the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) Xochimilco. With over 30 years of experience as an agroecologist, she also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the National Institute of Public Administration. Before this promotion, she was the Undersecretary of Productive Inclusion and Rural Development. Her career at SADER also includes stints as the General Coordinator of Rural Welfare and General Coordinator of Territorial Operations. Between 2018 and 2024, she led the Natural Resources and Rural Development Commission in Mexico City.
Dr. Julio Berdegué Sacristán will not be leaving government service entirely. President Sheinbaum has tasked him with coordinating international agri-food affairs. Berdegué studied agricultural sciences at the University of Arizona and holds a doctorate from Wageningen University. He is well known for his previous work as a regional representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In his new capacity, he will focus on protecting the interests of the Mexican agricultural sector. A primary part of his remit involves the review of the USMCA trade agreement with the United States and Canada.
The transition is effective immediately. The move allows the ministry to benefit from the technical expertise of López Gutiérrez in domestic rural development while retaining the international diplomatic experience of Berdegué. This restructuring comes at a vital time for Mexican trade as the government prepares for strategic discussions with its North American neighbours. The new leadership aims to maintain stability in the agricultural sector while addressing complex global food issues.
