Recent shifts in agricultural production in Yucatán as an expression of evolving practices

Abstract

In the state of Yucatán, a wide variety of crops are grown, influenced by ecological, historical, and socioeconomic factors. Based on the previous production context, the evolution of agricultural production between 2003 and 2023 was analyzed, using official statistics and spatial data to identify the main shifts in the state’s agricultural practices. During this period, significant changes were observed, including: the expansion of cash crops such as soybeans, cucumbers, and zucchini; the mechanization of irrigated corn cultivation in the livestock-raising region of Tizimín; and the decline of traditional crops and practices, such as the Mayan milpa. Despite sustained growth in production value, the agricultural sector continues to be overshadowed in economic importance by livestock farming. Furthermore, the intensive use of agrochemicals and increasing exposure to extreme weather events pose serious challenges to the sustainability of the agri-food system in Yucatán. The results highlight a heterogenous transformation of Yucatán’s agricultural landscape, which combines dynamics of productive reconversion and loss of agrodiversity. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the current dynamics of the agricultural sector, to advance toward food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.