Circuitos cortos de comercialización en la Zona Metropolitana de Xalapa, Veracruz, México, un análisis estructural para su fortalecimiento.

Objective: Carried out a structural analysis to identify the variables that intervene in the strengthening of the short food supply chains in the Metropolitan Area of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico (ZMX). Methodology: A descriptive and correlational research was carried out, with a mixed approach, semi-structured interviews Results: The SFSC identified in the ZMX were characterized according to the type of proximity, temporality, type of production, size, form of organization, validity, type of initiative, the origin of the products, pricing strategy, and communication strategy with the consumers. In addition, it was identified that the key variables for the strengthening of the CCC in the ZMX are agroecological production, consumer education, governance, and diversity in the supply of local products. Limitations: The particularities of the context and the social actors generate constant changes in the development of the SFSC, for which reason the research registers a specific time. Conclusions: The SFSC plays a relevant role in territorial development, mainly for the link between the urban and peri-urban areas of the ZMX. Multi-stakeholder participation is important for its strengthening, and this can be linked to public program strategies that facilitate the creation and consolidation of SFSC in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]