Abstract

SANDOVAL CABRERA, Seyka Verónica  and  BORJA RODRIGUEZ, Blanca Araceli. The Nature of Links and Upgrading in the Horticultural Subsector in Mexico. Econ: teor. práct [online]. 2023, n.58, pp.145-171.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 2448-7481.  https://doi.org/10.24275/etypuam/ne/582023/sandoval.

This article aims to analyze the links of Mexican producers, specifically Sinaloans, to the leading global vegetable value chain companies and characterize their upgrading possibilities. The analytical hypothesis is that the horticultural production segment in Sinaloa leads its transformation and organizational improvements (innovation) through obtaining certifications and requirements established by the large buyers in the network. This dynamic leads to dependent-asymmetric links (independent of governance among segments) that inhibit upgrading strategies that can significantly increase Mexican producers' participation in total network benefits. The object of study is a global agri-food chain directed by the buyer. Therefore, the lessons from this will, first of all, be applied to this type of network.

Keywords : Upgrading; development; linkage; horticultural crops; trade agreements.