Identifying Urban Agriculture Needs and Challenges for the Implementation of Green Labeling in Xochimilco, Mexico

Chinampas, the ancient and sustainable urban agriculture system of Xochimilco, Mexico, face persistent challenges that hinder the potential benefits of green labeling. Despite their ecological and cultural significance, these agricultural plots suffer from commercialization issues, consumer unwillingness to pay fair prices, soil degradation, and poor water quality—factors that could undermine the effectiveness of eco-certification programs. A study combining literature review and network theory analysis revealed that producers' immediate needs, such as profit maximization and financial guidance for pricing, remain unmet. Under current production and market conditions, the cost of green labeling certification is prohibitive for most farmers, suggesting that addressing these longstanding conflicts is critical before implementing sustainability programs.

Arroyo-Lambaer, D., Zambrano, L., Rivas, M. I., Vázquez-Mendoza, D. L., Figueroa, F., Puente-Uribe, M. B., Espinosa-García, A. C., Tapia-Palacios, M. A., Mazari-Hiriart, M., Revollo-Fernández, D., Jiménez-Serna, A., Covarrubias, M., & Sumano, C. (2022). Identifying Urban Agriculture Needs and Challenges for the Implementation of Green Labeling in Xochimilco, Mexico. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2022.892341