Abstract

ANTONIO-GONZALEZ, Jacob et al. Spatial equilibrium model to determine transportation costs in the distribution of peach in México. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.4, pp.701-712. ISSN 2007-0934.

In México, peach as a seasonal fruit has a very large range in prices, in addition to this, it has poor infrastructure to preserve the fruit in refrigerated conditions, the reduced shelf-life and, coupled with localized areas of production, long distances are needed to be traveled in order for the product to reach the consumer. Furthermore, the concentration of production in one period causes excess supply, favoring the consumers and consequently reducing the profit margin for the producers. In this sense, this paper developed in 2011, raises the possibility of reducing expenses for transportation by planning the regional production, considering quality and variety of peaches that consumers expect. In order to do this, we formulated a linear model of distribution that includes economic variables of the peach-market, aiming to minimize transportation costs of the possible routes that can be activated when running the model. Using two scenarios; a basic one and the other with 20% increase in production. The results indicate that it is possible to determine optimal routes at the lowest costs, just as it is possible to find the best way to distribute peach in the country. With an increase in the peach production of 20%, reducing the costs of transport and has a better distribution.

Keywords : Prunus pérsica L.; international trade; linear programming.