The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) will focus its 2026 budget on strengthening food security and supporting local farmers, in line with President Nayib Bukele’s national strategy to ensure stable food prices and sustainable production.
The MAG has been allocated $165 million for 2026, representing an increase of $72.8 million compared to the previous year. The additional funds will be used to execute projects that maintain agricultural market logistics, expand production programs, and promote climate resilience in farming communities.
Minister of Agriculture Óscar Domínguez presented these priorities before the Finance Committee of the Legislative Assembly, emphasizing that the country has achieved 11 consecutive months of declines in the basic food basket. “Prices have remained stable, and we’ve even seen deflation in some food items,” he noted.
According to Domínguez, the success stems from a comprehensive program launched in 2023 to boost food production. The initiative included identifying productive zones, strengthening the agricultural workforce, and providing technical assistance in seed genetics and hybrid crop development. These measures have led to 2,400 manzanas (approximately 1,500 acres) of vegetable production for domestic consumption.
To facilitate distribution, the MAG has promoted wholesale and farmers’ markets, where producers sell directly to consumers. “In the 61 farmers’ markets nationwide, more than 3,600 direct and indirect jobs have been created, and we project reaching 80% domestic supply,” the minister stated.
The 2026 budget will also fund the agricultural subsidy program, benefiting over 500,000 families, while expanding women’s participation in agricultural work and advancing climate adaptation initiatives. Other efforts include the conservation of native species, river repopulation, and the continuation of the satellite monitoring center, developed with Google’s support, to identify pests and gather real-time agricultural data.
With this increased investment, El Salvador continues to consolidate its position as a regional example of sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
