ORGANIZATION OF TRADE IN ONE TROPICAL MUNICIPALITY OF VERA CRUZ, MEXICO.

Abstract

The organization of agricultural trade in a snail Mexican city is studied by making the market. Organization in that city a focal point for inquiry. Much of the produce consumed in San Andres Tuxtla originates in the state of Vera Cruz or nearby states. Surpluses are shipped elsewhere in Mexico by rail or by a hard surface road connected to the national highway system. Since most of the basic food items are produced nearby, their cost should be less and availability greater than in most of Mexico. Several government agencies are involved in marketing through price fixing, extension of credit, wage-fixing, etc. CONASUPO regulates supplies of basic food by maintaining minimum and/or ceiling prices by buying from the farmers or importing items in short supply. However, few of the smaller farmers were selling directly to CONASUPO. The FONDO sponsors a rural credit program funded by AID/ This program apparently is working quite well. The complexities of marketing agricultural products are summed up in- 2 capital requirements. To draw the small farmer into the mainstream of economic growth and development, there should be greater government activity and more development of cooperatives.