The Nature of Links and Upgrading in the Horticultural Subsector in Mexico

Abstract

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
JEL classification: Q12