Understanding the linkages between small-scale producers and consumers through the analysis of short food supply chains in a local market in Nopala de villagrán, Hidalgo, Mexico

Abstract

In the current paper we study producer-consumer linkages in a small rural market in Mexico. Two short food supply chains for the sale of egg were identified, which reduced producer-consumer distance and enabled the exchange of information regarding egg origin, egg production practices, and egg characteristics valued by consumers. This allowed the creation of food symbolism and increased consumers’ knowledge and trust in small-scale producers and their products. It is concluded that producer-consumer linkages in short chains enable closeness, confidence, and exchange of information between them.