FACTORES QUE INCIDEN EN LA RECONVERSIÓN PRODUCTIVA DE Coffea arabica A Citrus latifolia EN TLALTETELA, VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Shade-grown coffee is an emblematic crop and the livelihood of the families dedicated to its production in Tlaltetela, Veracruz, Mexico. It has been observed that coffee growers have replaced this crop with other production alternatives, such as Persian lime. <strong>Objective.</strong> To identify the factors that influence the productive reconversion from coffee to Persian lime in Tlaltetela, Veracruz, Mexico. <strong>Methodology.</strong> To approach this research, five interviews were conducted with key informants (two with experience in production and three for their recent incorporation). <strong>Results.</strong> The producers interviewed agreed that the productive reconversion has been caused mainly by a) the fall in coffee prices, b) difficulties in its commercialization, c) its high production costs, d) the pests and diseases associated with this crop, and e) that the soil in the study area is suitable for the cultivation of Persian lime. <strong>Implications</strong>. The reconversion of coffee to Persian lime was an option for those who faced problems with the production of this crop; however, the production of Persian lime is also beginning to face important problems. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Persian lime cultivation is an activity that has generated economic benefits for producers. It has also triggered local development in the producing region due to the hiring of labor for harvesting and other field work. Despite these benefits, producers are still not aware of the problems generated by the conversion from shade coffee to monoculture of Persian lime (pests, diseases, excessive intermediation, loss of biodiversity and change in the microclimate).</p>