Frutillas Y Economía Social: Propuesta Para El Desarrollo Regional

The production and commercialization of berries represent a strategic alternative for agrobusiness development in the northwest of the state of Chihuahua, a region with favorable agroclimatic conditions but marginal participation in the national market. This research aimed to diagnose the productive potential of the area, identify structural and institutional barriers, and propose a commercialization model based on associativity. The hypothesis was that, with organizational integration, access to financing, and technical support, the region could consolidate itself as a competitive player in the berry value chain. A mixed methodology was used, including documentary analysis, surveys of 30 producers, and interviews with institutional stakeholders. The results revealed fragmented production, limited by low levels of technology adoption, scarce post-harvest infrastructure, and dependence on intermediaries. The economic analysis showed that blueberries and strawberries are profitable crops, with internal rates of return above 30% and a favorable benefit-cost ratio, provided that 60% of commercialization is achieved with added value. The proposal is to create a regional marketing company under cooperative schemes, integrating collection, sorting, refrigeration, and distribution, and establishing alliances with financial institutions and public programs. The conclusions indicate that, although there are organizational, financial, and logistical barriers, these can be overcome through comprehensive public policies, business training, and strengthening of local capacities. The proposal offers a viable path to integrate small producers into specialized markets, generate rural employment, and promote equitable territorial development.