Goat milk production in Guanajuato, Mexico: coordination mechanisms established in the agri-food chain

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the goat producers according to the industrial destinations of the milk to analyze the coordination mechanisms established in the agri-food chain.

Design/methodology/approach: A survey was applied to 122 randomly selected goat producers. Considering 2 industrial destinations, a comparison was made in social-economic, productive and commercial terms, by means of “T” tests of independent means. The data were complemented by interviews with owners of collection centers and entrepreneurs who processed the milk to analyze the coordination mechanisms,

Results: The producers had small herds, a basic level of studies and used family labor; the lack of organization for the sale limited them to participate in the coordination of the agri-food chain. The companies that processed the milk coordinated it by organizing the collection, commercial agreements, setting prices and establishing quality rules; generally with informal arrangements.

Limitations/implications: State intervention is necessary to regulate the relationships between actors of the agri-food chain.

Findings/conclusions: The informality of coordination mechanisms favors agribusiness and turns them into forms of domination that ensure their profitability.