Socioeconomic Affects in the Cultivation of Valencia Orange (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) in Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the socioeconomic impacts of Valencia orange cultivation in the municipality of Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz, Mexico.

Methodology: A research study was conducted using semi-structured surveys applied to a sample of 40 Valencia orange producers during the 2023 agricultural cycle. Sampling was carried out based on convenience, considering specific demographic, agronomic, socioeconomic, and environmental variables of the region. The methodology encompassed the analysis of production costs, profits, and profitability. To assess the relationships between variables, multiple regression analysis was employed using the statistical program SPSS version 29.0. The variables considered included crop profitability (dependent variable) and independent variables such as planting density, crop age, yield, and production cost.

Results: Regression coefficients demonstrate a direct relationship with the dependent variable, indicating that the model as a whole is useful for explaining variability in the profitability of Valencia orange cultivation.

Conclusions: The current production model highlights key challenges and opportunities for producers. Socioeconomic, agronomic, commercial, and environmental variables are considered to drive sustainability and competitiveness of the cultivation in the region