Food sovereignty in the production and marketing of vegetables native to Mexico

Abstract

The value of horticultural production native to Mexico has grown over time; it was 86.722 billion pesos in 2021. This research aimed to characterize the production and marketing of horticultural products native to Mexico through the food sovereignty approach (1980-2021). The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and were supported by trend regression models. The volume of native horticultural production was 10 million 469 thousand tons in 2021, with the production of tomatoes, chilies, beans, husk tomatoes, and squash standing out. Real prices for native horticultural products have declined over time. The apparent national consumption of native vegetables was 3 million 781 thousand tons in 1980 and 6 million 952 thousand tons in 2021; there was, therefore, a growth rate in demand of 83.84%. Self-sufficiency in the production of vegetables, pulses, legumes, and seeds was 150.59%, horticultural trade openness was 9.95%, and the import dependency indicator was 2.27% in 2021. The Mexican Republic must renounce its dependence on a few horticultural products for export and produce the chili and beans necessary to meet the domestic demand required by the country.