Small Farms' Role in Mexican Agricultural Supply

What is it about?

This study investigates the role of small farms in Mexico's agricultural production, focusing on their contribution to the national food supply and the farming practices they employ. It finds that small farms produce 19% of the agricultural output, with similar practices to medium and large farms. However, they play a less significant role in the national agricultural supply due to reliance on food imports. The production of small farms is dominated by cash crops like sugar cane, fruits, and vegetables, while staple foods like maize and beans are mainly produced by larger farms. The study emphasizes the resilience of small farms and the need for stronger efforts to support their role in achieving Mexican food sovereignty. [Some of the content on this page has been created by AI]

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides empirical evidence on the contribution of small farms to the global food supply, specifically in the context of Mexico. The study helps to understand the role of small farms in national food supply, their production practices, and their potential to enhance food sovereignty and contribute to social and environmental benefits. Key Takeaways: 1. Small farms in Mexico produce 19% of the national agricultural production and 15% of the national agricultural supply, with similar farming practices to medium and large farms. 2. The production of small farms consists mainly of cash crops (e.g., sugar cane, fruits & vegetables, animal products, fodder crops) and, to a lesser extent, staple crops such as maize and beans. 3. Small farms in Mexico are not the primary contributors to the agricultural supply, but they remain resilient and play a crucial role in achieving food sovereignty, preserving traditional knowledge, and maintaining rural livelihoods. 4. Future agricultural programs should focus on enhancing the production of nutritious staple foods like beans and white maize to increase the relevance of small farms in Mexican food sovereignty.