Humberto Reyes Hernández

Spatial Configuration of Land-use/Land-cover in the Pujal-Coy Project Area, Huasteca Potosina Region, Mexico

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between the configuration and spatial reorganization of land-use and land-cover in the Pujal-Coy project area, Huasteca Potosina region, eastern San Luis Potosí, Mexico, as well as the relationship between these changes and the environmental conditions prevailing in the area. Land-use and land-cover changes were determined through the analysis and interpretation of satellite images from different dates. The changes identified in the different study periods were correlated with the prevailing physical factors. The results show that the spatial configuration of farming activities, initially induced by the implementation of a regional development project, is highly correlated to the presence of limiting factors such as soil type, slope, and climate. Particularly, the former represents the element that has led to the establishment of the current distribution pattern of farming activities.

Value chains for organic products in neighboring municipalities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Organic products in the neighboring municipalities of Nova Friburgo and Cachoeiras de Macacú follow three primary value chains that reach consumers through farmers markets, home delivery baskets, and processing and distribution industries. Organic products are mainly certified by the participatory guarantee system. Within the first municipality, a maximum of 86 products are distributed, where 60–70% of the final value goes to the farmers, having a stronger set of stakeholders. The second municipality has a maximum of 104 products distributed to final sale points, where 23–36% of the final value goes to the farmers. Stakeholders have identified the importance of their certification groups and potential private alliances within the value chains.

Adaptation of a participatory organic certification system to the organic products law in six local markets in mexico

ABSTRACT The Organic Products Law considers the Participatory Organic Certification System (POCS) as a guarantee system for consumers, aimed at organized small-scale producers which are directly connected to a local market. This article analyzes the challenges of the POCS in six markets in Mexico, underlining the changes brought about by the inclusion of POCS into national legislation of organic production. The results show the existing limiting and enabling factors that favor or threaten the participatory certification operation in these markets. They have to do with the legal constitution and consolidation of the certification group, the need to count on a well-defined POCS operational structure, and institutional support.ABSTRACTThe Organic Products Law considers the Participatory Organic Certification System (POCS) as a guarantee system for consumers, aimed at organized small-scale producers which are directly connected to a local market. This article analyzes the challenges of the POCS in six markets in Mexico, underlining the changes brought about by the inclusion of POCS into national legislation of organic production. The results show the existing limiting and enabling factors that favor or threaten the participatory certification operation in these markets. They have to do with the legal constitution and consolidation of the certification group, the need to count on a well-defined POCS operational structure, and institutional support.