In Mexico, smallholder agriculture under rainfed conditions is no longer a viable alternative for most farming families due to low productivity and the high cost of inputs, resulting in high loss rates, low crop prices, migration, and the degradation of natural resources. In response to this problem, INIFAP researchers developed five technological components to help farmers reduce production costs and increase yields: a) Conservation tillage, b) Organic nutrition, c) Selection of their own seed, d) Ecological pest management, and e) Alternative methods for grain and seed storage.

The general objective of the project was to consolidate this sustainable agricultural production model by strengthening the social organization of the region’s producers, as well as implementing and replicating the five sustainable axes model.