Record Details


Field	Value

Title	Diverse varieties and diverse markets: Scale-related maize "profitability crossover" in the central Mexican highlands

Names	Keleman, A. Hellin, J. Flores, D.
Date Issued	2013 (iso8601)
Abstract	Discussions of maize agriculture in Mexico often treat 'maize' as a uniform commodity, sold in a relatively homogeneous market, and for which there is a single, 'economically rational' production strategy. Based on qualitative research on maize value chains, we suggest that this unitary notion entails significant oversimplifications. We offer a heuristic model of farm-size related 'profitability crossover,' based on observations of highland maize varieties? roles within a series of farm-cycle opportunities and constraints. We suggest that while improved maize varieties may be profitable for large-scale farms taking advantage of economies of scale, landrace cultivation may offer advantages to small- to medium-scale farmers, who utilize a diverse range of input strategies, and sell their products in specialty markets. Understanding maize agriculture as a multi-product and multi-market pursuit rather than uniform commodity production would add greater depth to policy and academic debates.
Genre	Article
Access Condition	Restricted Access
Identifier	0300-7839

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