Potential of Cold-Water Agriculture (ColdAg) in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Food Production

Abstract

To guarantee sustainable development at a global level, humanity currently faces serious challenges related to a greater demand and better distribution of food to meet the needs of the growing population in environments affected by global climate change (GCC), and in limiting conditions with respect to natural, genetic, financial, and technological resources. Therefore, there is a dire need to implement technologies that can guarantee food security and sovereignty around the world, enabling sustainable development for all nations. Cold-Water Agriculture (ColdAg) is an available technology that offers an alternative to conventional food production in coastal areas and islands of the tropical and subtropical belts worldwide, making use of cold deep ocean water. Mexico has places with the optimal environmental conditions to adapt this technology, mainly in coastal areas and islands, which can contribute to ensuring access to food and drinking water. Initial tests have shown its viability, while production costs need to be adjusted to make this technology accessible to the poorest populations, so that it can contribute to their sustainable development and wealth. In this review article, we aimed to critically analyze some of the most salient literature on the ColdAg technology and outline the feasibility of this technology to be implemented and exploited in Mexico to contribute to alternative food production in a sustainable manner.