Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems (May 2023)
EVALUATION OF THE STATE OF AGROBIODIVERSITY IN THE AGRIFOOD SYSTEM OF MEXICO
Abstract
Background. Agrobiodiversity is one of the main pillars of agriculture in Mexico, so its conservation is a priority for the sustainability and resilience of the agri-food system. Objective. To analyze the agrobiodiversity's state in the Mexican agricultural, food and genetic resources system. Methodology. Methodologically, the Agrobiodiversity Index was implemented, ten indicators and 16 variables were measured, which included species diversity, varietal diversity, underutilized species, and landscape complexity in the agrifood system. Results. The State of Agrobiodiversity Index for Mexico was moderate (56.2/100), the score for the food system was high (66.6/100), the agricultural system presented high scores (63.1/100) and the conservation system gave low scores (38.4). /100). Implications. The conservation system has focused on commercial plant species, leaving a gap in the conservation and sustainable use of wild and non-commercial species. In the agricultural and conservation system, it is urgent to create platforms with more specific biological information (intraspecific levels, varieties, races, cultivars). With these platforms, a more precise estimate of the country's agrobiodiversity will be possible. Conclusion Although the country has a high diversity of animal and plant species that serve as a source of food, these options are underutilized in the food system.
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