Las Fundaciones Produce, Una Innovacion Para La Innovacion

It has been demonstrated that the creation and participation of Produce Foundations and its National Coordinator, COFUPRO, have been an efficient and effective instrument to spearhead research, validation and technology transfer efforts in the Mexican agri-food sector. The model adopted by these Foundations represents a private-public alliance that has been effective in bringing together and coordinating the work of producers, researchers and representatives of the government sector over the last twenty years to achieve collective learning and capacity building that are essential factors for innovation in this sector. Here we present the management model of COFUPRO and Produce Foundations, its origin, social object, characteristics, networks and strategic alliances, as well as its main challenges. All this as a result of a strengthened documentary review with interviews to the headlines and representatives of the 32 foundations located in equal number of states. This paper aims to provide recommendations to strengthen the role of the foundations as promoters of sound programs and projects, as well as their development. It has been concluded that further development depends upon the diversification of funding sources of the Foundations which is a condition for greater autonomy and opportunity in responding to farmers’ needs.