The Hindrances to Obtaining Protected Geographical Indications for Products in Mexico. Case Study of Dairy Farming in the Cienega de Chapala, Michoacan

The aim of this article is to analyze why there are hindrances to the development of PGI products in Mexico, based on the case study of dairy farming in the Cienega de Chapala, Michoacan. Currently, local dairy production satisfies the demand of a parastatal company, marginally supplies the local consumption of fresh milk and is the supplier of the input for the production of a typical low-value ranchero cheese with local demand. In addition, there was a negative impact of NAFTA on local products, and it persists with the recent USMCA. However, with further development of collective action of local dairy farmers, it is possible to promote PGIs for the regional market by taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the new labeling policy of the current federal government. The methodology is a combination of qualitative and quantitative; 68 interviews were conducted with dairy farmers in the study area, and MFA and ATLAS.ti software were used. The results highlight that socio-environmental problems and market failures are related to the obstacles such as the lack of collective action of dairy farmers and the absence of a local governance system that regulates the market and promotes quality, food safety and sustainable practices in the territory