Yucatán Turns Sargassum Into Biofertilizers & Animal Feed

Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico — Yucatán has reaffirmed its leadership in innovation and sustainability with the inauguration of the Implementaciones Estratégicas Marinas (IEM) plant, a high-impact project located in the Yucatán Science and Technology Park (PCTY). The facility transforms sargassum into profitable bioproducts with significant value for agriculture and industry.

A Sustainable Solution with Economic Impact

With an investment exceeding 12 million pesos, IEM will produce fertilizers and animal feed, positioning Yucatán as a benchmark in environmental innovation and economic development. The plant spans 600 square meters in its first phase, including a 65-square-meter applied research laboratory. It has the capacity to manufacture up to 50 million liters of fertilizer and 3 metric tons of animal feed per month, with plans to expand to 850 square meters.

The operation creates 13 highly specialized direct jobs and integrates into an innovation ecosystem involving the Sistema de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo Tecnológico de Yucatán (Siidetey), the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY), the Instituto Nacional de Investigadores Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (Inifap), and the Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida (TecNM).

Government and Industry Leaders Praise the Initiative

Ermilo Barrera Novelo, Secretary of Economy and Labor, stated that IEM exemplifies the development model Yucatán aims to establish—businesses with added value that prioritize environmental care and applied research. "This proves that innovation and sustainability can work together to transform our economy," he said.

The project strengthens key sectors such as chemicals, food, and plastics while opening export opportunities in fertilizer, soap, and animal feed markets. Barrera Novelo emphasized that Yucatán is emerging as a hub for Mexico’s bioindustry.

Jesús Delgado Madrid, IEM’s Director General, highlighted the plant’s mission: "Our goal is to turn a challenge like sargassum into profitable, necessary, and sustainable solutions." Using automated processes, solar energy, and efficient water management, the facility increases agricultural crop yields by up to 27%.

Advancing Yucatán’s Competitiveness

Currently, Yucatán ranks 22nd nationally in the Innovation and Technology sub-index by the Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (IMCO). Projects like IEM are critical to improving this standing and fostering a more competitive, responsible economy.

"The opening of IEM demonstrates that Yucatán isn’t just attracting investment—it’s driving scalable, sustainable projects with economic, social, and environmental impact, aligned with strategic development plans," Barrera Novelo concluded.