From Farmer to Trader. Cross-Border Functional Upgrading in Northwestern Mexico

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Published: Oct 15, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33679/rfn.v1i1.2399
Keywords:
international trade, economic development, fruit, vegetables, social adaptation.

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Miguel Ángel Grijalva Villa
Investigador independiente
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9103-5423
Rigoberto García-Ochoa
El Colegio de la Frontera Norte
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9379-3473
Álvaro Bracamonte Sierra
El Colegio de Sonora
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8523-0846

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the upgrading of producers in northwestern Mexico in the global value chain of horticultural products and understand the characteristics and dimensions of this process. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with different growers and distributors in the region, and the information collected was triangulated with secondary sources. The results show that: (i) there has been a functional upgrading in these actors from producers to marketers, as well as an upgrading of products and processes; (ii) trust between the parties is key to increasing the maturity of the horticultural value chain; (iii) capacities have been developed to adapt to the demands of international markets; (iv) innovation and continuous improvement are imperative to keep up with the dynamics of cross-border trade. The knowledge generated is an empirical input for future research focused on the response capacity of regional agents to the demands of the world market.

Article Details

How to Cite
Grijalva Villa, M. Ángel ., García-Ochoa, R., & Bracamonte Sierra, Álvaro . (2025). From Farmer to Trader. Cross-Border Functional Upgrading in Northwestern Mexico. Frontera Norte, 37. https://doi.org/10.33679/rfn.v1i1.2399
Issue
Vol. 37 (2025): January-December, 2025
Section
Papers
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