The dynamics of the pork-market structure in the State of Mexico, 2017-2021

Abstract

Objective: Identify the main entities of origin and/or destination in the transfer flows of live pigs across slaughterhouses, fattening farms, breeding facilities, and fair markets in the State of Mexico. Additionally, detect potential information asymmetries to design public policy strategies that enhance efficiency and equity in pig mobilization. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs the Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach, analyzing data from 2017 to 2021 across four market types (i.e., slaughter, fattening, breeding, and fairs). The study identifies 24 source entities and 29 destination entities, some of which function as both origins and destinations. Results: Pig mobilization in the State of Mexico reveals a network of interactions among different market types, influenced by geographical, productive, and economic factors, as well as consumer preferences. The network exhibits significant centralization in certain markets, particularly slaughterhouses, where Puebla, Jalisco, and Veracruz emerge as the main contributors to pig livestock mobilization. Challenges related to reciprocity in trade relationships suggest imbalances in the distribution of pork commerce within the State of Mexico. Limitations/implications: The lack of participation by some states in government-sponsored fairs, coupled with restrictive pig-breeding regulations in certain regions, highlights the need for targeted strategies to address the challenges within each market type. Findings/conclusions: Public policies should foster transparency, competition, and equitable access to resources and markets. Additionally, addressing information asymmetries is crucial to ensuring food security and promoting animal welfare in the pork industry of the State of Mexico.