Mexico’s new secretary for agriculture, livestock, rural development, fishing and food visited the University of Guelph Tuesday to learn about the University’s leading expertise in biodiversity and agriculture.

Victor Villalobos toured the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, the world’s first centre for high-volume DNA barcoding, and met with U of G executives to discuss the University’s innovations in agriculture and food research.

Key ministers from the incoming government of Mexican president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador arrived in Ottawa early this week to meet with counterparts in the Canadian government. Villalobos then made a special trip to U of G.

“Secretary Villalobos’ visit speaks to our international profile as the top university in the country for agriculture, a designation recognized around the world,” said Daniel Atlin, U of G vice-president (external).

Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food, encouraged Villalobos to visit the campus for a first-hand glimpse of cutting-edge research in Canada, Atlin added.

Villalobos obtained a PhD in plant genetics from the University of Calgary and is a recognized expert in agriculture and biology.

He was accompanied on the visit by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials.