Abstract

CASANOVA-PEREZ, Lorena et al. Changes in the pattern of cultivated species and loss of sustainability in central Veracruz, Mexico. J. Selva Andina Biosph. [online]. 2024, vol.12, n.1, pp.13-22.  Epub May 01, 2024. ISSN 2308-3867.  https://doi.org/10.36610/j.jsab.2024.120100013.

The economic, social, and technological conditions in agriculture have changed due to public policies implemented by the Mexican government. These changes have forced producers to make decisions to adapt to a complex agricultural reality. The objective of this research is to analyze the changes in cropping patterns over four decades and their impact on sustainability in a local context. A survey and in-depth interviews were conducted among producers in agricultural and rainfed areas in central Veracruz, Mexico. The findings suggest that the promotion and subsequent reduction of public spending in favor of agricultural production resulted in the gradual introduction and exclusion of crops, as well as the fundamental management practices underlying them, such as fertilization, weed, disease, and pest control. This led to a loss of sustainability as it promoted monoculture, the use of agrochemicals, and the commercialization of crops. This not only simplified the crop pattern but also affected the family's diet, created conditions for increased pest and disease presence, and degraded soil life and agrobiodiversity, including medicinal and food plants subject to harvesting. These findings should be taken into account when defining medium and long-term strategies.

Keywords : Agrochemicals; monoculture; management practices; public policies; food security.

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