Farm management succession by heritage. A Central Mexico case study

Abstract

Farm succession involves the interaction of social, economic, and emotional factors. The process also includes the decisions of farmers and their families who consider the farm as patrimony rather than a productive asset. This article analyses the processes of succession in farms of central Mexico to understand the different stages they comprise and the problems that these processes encounter. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews with producers who went through a recent transfer process. Succession processes and their associated factors were analyzed and discussed using the multiple case study methodology; subsequently, the stages that comprise each of these processes were defined. Results show that succession is commonly managed without making decisions or taking actions that prevent future problems, and individual interests of the potential heirs prevail. Although each transfer process is different, two basic types were identified: the spouse or the descendants assume the administration of the patrimony. However, in the analyzed cases, we found that, in general, there is no planning for succession, so the successors lack training in agricultural activities. In general, succession processes are complex and generate conflicts, and their trajectory depends on family relationships and the socioeconomic conditions of the farm.

Management paradigm improving the productivity of farms based on the principles of agricultural consulting

“…In the vast majority, managers of agricultural enterprises are not sure of the proper level of confidentiality of information about their commercial activities. However, it is essential to understand that consulting can encourage substantial economic benefits, including introducing innovative approaches and technologies (Kernecker et al, 2019;Romero-Padilla et al, 2022).…”