Urgently needed transition pathways toward sustainability in agriculture: the case of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) production in Veracruz, Mexico

Although agriculture around the world faces similar challenges in terms of technology, climate and market, it is important to identify specific local strategies due to multiple factors arising from the local level. Using the Mission-Oriented Agricultural Innovation Systems (MAIS) approach, this study analyzes social, environmental and technological variables as a pathway for the transition of Persian lime farming systems toward sustainability in two production regions in Veracruz, Mexico. To this end, a survey was applied to 343 producers, and semi-structured interviews using participatory methods were conducted with the production chain stakeholders; also, time series analysis of production and climatic variables was performed. The results indicate that production is expected to grow at a rate of 5% over the next twenty years. However, this trend is not sustainable in the long term from a social and environmental perspective. Both regions are forecast to have increased temperatures and abrupt changes in precipitation patterns (P ≤ 0.05). Farmers identify challenges related to marketing, the presence of pests and diseases and changes in the climate. They propose solutions such as a producers’ organization and use of new technologies to meet these challenges; however, the solutions mentioned are seen more as a reconfiguration of the current production system and not as a way toward a true transition. The inclusion of other stakeholders such as academia, experts and government complements this vision through the MAIS. It is concluded that a multidisciplinary approach from the local level is crucial for the sustainable transition of current agri-food systems.