SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS: THE CASE OF THE AVOCADO VALUE CHAIN IN MEXICO

Achieving sustainable agri-food systems (SAS) requires the collaborative work of multiple participants. Using a systemic analytical approach, the limiting factors for the sustainable transition of the agri-food system (AS) of the Mexican avocado value chain (VC) were studied. International, national and government data sources were consulted and complemented by three case studies. Short-term policies, current VC and AS governance structures, inadequate infrastructure for the sustainable use of natural resources and insecurity limit the achievement of the SAS. Acceptable economic indicators for the sector should allow for social and environmental improvements by introducing more efficient irrigation systems and improving current working conditions.