Objective:

To identify, through literature review and expert consultation, the implications of NAFTA for the local market and the economy of bean producers in the Region de Los Llanos in the state of Durango (RLlD), from the perspective of local technical advisors.

Methodology:

The research was carried out in two stages; in the first stage, a bibliographic review on NAFTA’s main effects at the national level on the production and bean producers in Mexico was accomplished. In the second stage, semi-structured interviews, supported by the literature review, were designed and applied to agricultural technical advisors who have provided consulting services to bean producers in the RLlD. The interviews were conducted during October 2018 in the city of Durango.

Results:

The analysis of the interviews revealed five main effects of NAFTA in this region, which are low competitiveness, problems in the commercialization of beans, a negative impact due to imports, reduction of labor, and loss of native varieties.

Limitations:

The main limitation lies with the need to study in-depth the historical context of the programs, institutions or companies where the technical advisors have worked for, to gain a integral comprehension of the phenomenon.

Conclusions:

NAFTA has caused more negative than positive effects on the economy of bean producers in the RLlD. They compete under poor economic and infrastructure conditions concerning business partners and entrepreneurs from other parts from Mexico. Furthermore, NAFTA has triggered the loss of varieties of native seeds that represents a loss of agricultural heritage and identity in the region.

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