Local food networks and maize agrodiversity conservation: two case studies from Mexico

Abstract

The challenges facing Mexican campesinos growing traditional varieties of maize are formidable in the current neoliberal economic context. The elimination of trade-related barriers for corn grown in the US under NAFTA has had a number of economic, environmental and cultural ramifications. This article examines two projects to create shortened tortilla supply chains that provide locally grown maize to local consumers. Beyond linking producers to consumers, these short tortilla supply chains are connected to broader social movements, civil society organisations and researchers working on agrodiversity conservation and food issues. The article describes the opportunities and challenges facing these initiatives in their efforts to bridge agrodiversity conservation and rural economic development objectives.