Considerations for improving competitiveness of the “El Bajío” region in domestic strawberry production

Abstract

In the 40’s, the region “El Bajío”, Guanajuato, Mexico positioned itself as national leader in strawberry production. In 1966, this region reached a production of 143 x 103 t, ranking second in world production and recognized as the “Strawberry Capital of the World”. However, several factors including: 1) the lack of organization and technological training of producers; 2) the dependence of the United states of America to acquire the “mother” plant; and 3) the incidence of pests and diseases caused by monoculture; generated a significant decline in production. This low productivity and inability to meet the external demand, favored the emergence of new production regions highlighting Michoacán and Baja California. This study aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of strawberry production in the region, “El Bajío” state of Guanajuato, to identify critical points in an effort to regain national leadership, highlighting the following: 1) promote organization among producers to adopt more profitable production systems; 2) achieving independence from foreigners in the acquisition of “mother” plant, based on national research institutions to generate our own varieties for the region; 3) strengthen strawberry marketing, stimulating the creation of companies adding product value; and 4) make a joint effort among producers, authorities, businesses and overall public, through coordinated actions (credit, training, advertising, culture, etc.) to consolidate and strengthen the strawberry product chain and invigorate strawberry as the icon of Irapuato city, Guanajuato.