High-Demand Products and Growing Markets
Puebla, Pue. Cooperativism is opening export opportunities for small producers in Puebla, Mexico, towards the United States and Canada through annual contracts worth 170,000 USD. Additionally, there is an untapped market in Central and South America that remains unexploited.
Limited Cooperative Participation in Export
According to Carlos Enrique Martínez y Rivera, president of the State Agricultural and Livestock Council (Ceagro), only 20 out of 95 cooperatives engage in international trade, while the rest hesitate despite having value-added products.
Short and Medium-Term Business Opportunities
With the groups that have a commercialization tracking system, business opportunities arise in the short and medium term, depending on production capacity.
Benefits and Challenges of Cooperativism in Puebla
Cooperativism remains underutilized in Puebla, despite its benefits in productive and monetary growth. However, equitable profit distribution among members is crucial for success.
Martínez y Rivera emphasized that producers require better guidance on this commercial model. He also noted that the state government must contribute to advancing agriculture during this six-year term.
Ceagro’s Role in Cooperative Development
Eight years ago, Ceagro helped consolidate seven cooperatives. Now, the organization hopes for greater support from the current administration.
The Secretariat for Economic Development and Employment maintains a list of groups planning to join cooperatives, further highlighting the potential for growth.
Current Cooperative Performance and Technology Needs
Existing cooperatives, with 200 to 300 members, sell to stores, primarily in New York and Los Angeles, California, which have large populations of Puebla and Mexican migrants.
Exporters have maintained a steady pace for five years, with sales experiencing growth spurts dependent on product diversification.
Martínez y Rivera acknowledged that cooperatives need to improve technology, requiring state government intervention for flexible credit options and better equipment.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is cooperativism and how does it benefit small producers in Puebla? Cooperativism is a model where small producers collaborate to increase productive and monetary growth. In Puebla, it remains underutilized despite its potential benefits.
- How many cooperatives are involved in international trade? Only 20 out of 95 cooperatives participate in international trade, leaving the majority hesitant to engage.
- What products are in high demand, and where are they being exported? High-demand products include meats, spirits, berries, and avocados. These are exported to the United States and Canada, with a growing market in Central and South America.
- What challenges do cooperatives face, and how can they be addressed? Cooperatives need better guidance on commercial models and improved technology. State government intervention through flexible credit options and equipment support can help address these challenges.
