Why do producers decide not to join agricultural associations?

The case of the Ataulfo mango in southern Mexico

Abstract

The Ataulfo is an economically valuable mango variety originating in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, Mexico. Some, but not all, producers are members of marketing organizations. This study sought to evaluate how membership in a marketing organization impacts the livelihood viability of producers in the Soconusco and Istmo-Costa regions. From January 2020 to December 2021, we surveyed 126 producers (34 association members and 92 nonmembers), representing 3% of all Ataulfo producers in the study area. Using cluster analysis, we identified five unique groups of producers: Group 1 (G1), Packing-linked producers (2 producers, 1.6%); Group 2 (G2), Resource-limited producers (48 producers, 38.1%); Group 3 (G3), Intermediate commercial producers (55 producers, 43.7%); Group 4 (G4), Multimarket producers (12 producers, 9.5%); and Group 5 (G5), Export-specialized producers (9 producers, 7.1%). We found that social capital, as represented by association membership, appears to influence the viability of mango growers in diverse and international markets. However, among nonmember producers, those in G3 obtained high profits despite not being organized. While association membership enhances the profitability of G4 and G5, it did not limit the reserves of financial capital in G3. Contrary to the literature suggesting that lack of organization undermines viability, our findings indicate that some nonmember producers achieved high profitability. This result suggests that Ataulfo growers can be successful without belonging to a producer organization. However, socio-environmental threats, such as the advanced age of producers, lack of generational succession, low income, and varying levels of insurance among nonmember groups, pose risks to their long-term viability.