Typology of coffee producers in Tlachichilco, Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To characterize the coffee-growing units in the municipality of Tlachichilco, Veracruz, Mexico, in order to establish a typology of producers and identify key characteristics to inform public policy development.Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained through semi-structured surveys applied to n = 54 coffee producers in Tlachichilco, Veracruz, selected using convenience sampling. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted, and a Technological Index (TI) was estimated. For the cluster analysis, the Cluster procedure and Ward's method from the SAS statistical package were used. Results: Three types of coffee producers were identified: subsistence (64.8%), intermediate (29.6%), and transitional (5.5%). The subsistence group showed the lowest yield, income, and technological index, while the transitional group had the highest yield and income, reaching 1,400 kg/ha and 42,000 pesos per year, respectively. The lowest technological index was found in the subsistence and transitional groups, while the intermediate group displayed characteristics between the first and third groups. Limitations of the study/implications: The typology of producers was established specifically for Tlachichilco; therefore, similar studies are needed in other coffee-producing regions of Veracruz. Findings/conclusions: Coffee producers face productive and economic limitations, resulting in a predominantly subsistence-oriented coffee sector. To increase production, it is necessary to adopt technologies that help control weeds, pests, and diseases, along with continuous training