Agricultural policies and local sustainability: a normative coherence for development analysis of Mexico's pineapple sector

ABSTRACT This article examines agriculture and sustainability in Mexico with specific focus on pineapple producing communities. Because this is an internationally healthy market and because Mexico has increased its pineapple production in recent years, it can be considered a representative case in which to study the impact of agricultural policies on local sustainable development. Moreover, during the last four decades, Veracruz has led Mexican states in pineapple production and extension, with three municipalities as the foremost producers, which has consequently, impacted their ecosystems. This article documents land cover, economic, and social transformations in these municipalities. First, it shows how extension of this crop has made pineapple the dominant land cover in the region. Second, the article illustrates how parallel markets exist between export-oriented large producers and smaller ones who sell locally. Third, the article documents the increase in social marginalisation in these communities even though increased pineapple production has generated more overall wealth. These trends are then explained through a normative coherence for development analysis of Mexico's agricultural programmes and their focus on increasing productivity.