Title: Change in paradigm, energy or food production: The case of Puerto Rico

Authors: Colón Guasp, Wilfredo

Abstract: The amount of energy and food consumed in Puerto Rico is more indicative of a developed nation than one than is underdeveloped. All the energy consumed in Puerto Rico is from fossil fuels, while the agricultural sector marginally provides the needs of the consumer. In addition, the animal production sectors rely exclusively on imported feedstock for the preparation of feeds. There is a potential to develop an ethanol industry based initially on sugarcane, as the main feedstock and then turn to biomass from energy cane and or organic solid waste in the future. In order to move to the second generation of ethanol production, the cellulosic ethanol industry has to become economically viable. A limiting factor in the use of sugarcane is that only 40,000 ha are currently available to grow this crop. Potentially, Puerto Rico can produce 200 million liters of ethanol on this area which could substitute 5% of the gasoline that was consumed in 2007. On the other hand, biomass could be obtained from bagasse, energy cane, and from 1.3 metric tons of organic solid waste (food and yard waste) produced annually on the island. This strategy can provide a relief to decreasing the amounts of organic solid waste that end up in the landfills.

Title: Analysis of the sugar agrindustry´s relative technical efficiency: The case of Mexico

Authors: Celso Arellano, Pedro Luis; Cortés Fregoso, José Héctor

Abstract: What are the most salient features of the Mexican sugar agroindustry's relative technical efficiency? This paper looks at a very preliminary approach to the relative technical efficiency (RTE) conditions prevailing in the sugar refineries of the country, with the support of an empirical production function. With this goal in mind, an RTE examination of the national sugar refineries is undertaken based upon data envelopment analysis (DEA), a non-parametric mathematical programming technique that allows for the RTE coefficients estimation for the decision making units (DMU) taken into account. The stance considered deals with an input oriented approach and the RTE indices are generated by a variable returns to scale (VRE) technology. The sample used deals with 57 DMU's and, in order to fulfill a highly discriminatory power of the model, four inputs and two outputs are employed. The basic model has a DEA-BCC structure, whose inputs are the industrialized area, the net ground sugar cane, the sugar harvest span, and the production costs. The outputs accounted for are total sugar produced and net benefits. Approximately, one fifth of DMUs are technically efficient, according to the final results. Such a conclusion allows for the setout of economic policies aimed at straightforwardly improving the RTE of inefficiency DMU's by means of an economic policy allowing for an optimum allocation of resources.

Title: Structure of systems products add in the agrifood chain of sheep species in Puebla State, Mexico

Authors: Escobedo Garrido, José Sergio

Abstract: The study conducted in 2007, introduced by objective: to identify the degree of structuring that records the productive systems of sheep and analysis the main features of communication and coordination with economic actors within the link in production in 5 communities Chignahuapan, Puebla, Under the dynamic of a questionnaire which was assessed by the system SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), determined by a stratified random sample. Detecting a typology of producers of sheep, with business and social visions, which is determined by the incorporation, and development objectives in this livestock, we also determined that the organization formally established located in these communities presents a constantly changing. For the foregoing is undoubtedly combine the other links in the food chain, as an overall beneficiary solidification of this product.

Title: Diagnosis of the ovine chain in the province of Cordoba, Argentina

Authors: Agüero, Daniel; Freire, Viviana; Peralta, Marcela; Vigliocco, Mauricio; Sandoval, Gabriela

Abstract: The continuous process toward agriculture is the main reason of the substitution and even disappearance of the ovine cattle of the province. The internal market is barely developed and strongly seasonal. The objective of this work is to characterize the chain of ovine meat of the province of Cordoba. The used data come from primary information: surveys and interviews to described informants, and of secondary information. Even though, the ovine production net has a complementary character of other cattle activities and agricultural, the present and potential demand of the lamb meat follows in increase. This study also has detected important restrictions for the integral development of the chain, the most notable aim to the tax burden, the sanitary problems and the commercial informality. The National Ovine Law had important impacts on primary production but the commercialization by informal channels could not be reverted. The industry appears like the main receiver of the final value of the product. The preliminary results pretend the definition of policies that promote the join work of public and private sectors to assure the development of the ovine sector seeking the opportunities that this market offers.

Title: Results of the report on 213 livestock credit projects

Authors: Trueta Santiago, Rafael; Lecumberri López, Jorge

Abstract: Credit is a fundamental input for production. One of its major limitations is default payments. Quality of credit portfolios is directly linked to the quality of the projects that are used to generate them. This study assesses the quality of a non probabilistic sample of 213 livestock projects to which credit was granted by a financial institution in 3 consecutive years. Between 15-20 projects where obtained in each of the 12 regional branches covering the national territory. Fifteen different types of deficiencies where found. The most frequent deficiencies found were: the use of nominal interest rates, (100%), omission to include production costs (44%) including incomes from other activities (43%), and high calving rates (25%). The number of deficiencies per type of project was of 5.5 in the case of enterprises dealing with double purpose production (beef-milk); 6.3 for cow-calf production, and 6.5 for pasture fattening. Results were highly significant for the deficiencies by branches and significant for type of project. No statistical differences were found in relation to the year of preparation. There are statistical differences (P< 0.05) in deficiencies found between double purpose and cow-calf projects as well as between double purpose and pasture fattening. The exaggerated frequency of deficiencies, together with the fact that they were not detected by regular institutional supervision mechanisms, shows an obvious failure of these mechanisms but more over, it shows the possibility that these deficiencies are considered by the institution as “accepted problems” or “understood values”, since there are other priorities regarding credit policies such as use of nominal interests rates, short amortization periods, etc.

Title: Model of regulation for the administration of a municipal rake at national level

Authors: Cabral Martell, Agustín; Aguilar Valdés, Alfredo; Alvarado Martínez, Luis Felipe; Alvarado Martínez, Tomás E.

Abstract: They are few the rakes of the country that have the modern technology and the personnel qualified to carry out the humanitarian sacrifice as it indicates it the Federal Law of Animal Sanity. (DOF. 23-July-2007). Really the only dependence or association that he/she has had interest and he/she has been in charge of seriously of supervising that the slaughter is carried out in a humanitarian way, it is the denominated civil association ANPALPA A.C (National Association for the Application of Laws of Protection to the Animals) that has taken the initiative to introduce the methods of humanitarian sacrifice in near 400 rakes and slaughterhouses of the country; and it is unlikely that the corresponding authorities (SAGARPA and HEALTH), have not taken the responsibility properly of continuing with this work begun by ANPALPA for 30 years, since finally to the authority it corresponds him to assist this problematic one and not to the civil society, like it has been happening so far. It was scientifically proven that, to better treatment and good handling of the animals dedicated to the sacrifice, less estrés, smaller loss of weight will be caused and it will be obtained better quality and bigger quantity of the products meat resultants. Difference should not exist among the rakes TIF (Type Federal Inspection) and the municipal rakes or the matters, in the concerning thing to good facilities, modern technology, sacrifice methods, qualified personnel, sanitary supervision, I manage hygienic of the products and combat to the produced contamination, since the obtained products, they are dedicated for human consumption and its quality and hygiene they should be conscientiously revised in any slaughter center, call you TIF, municipal or matter. The only difference that it should exist among the rakes TIF and the municipal ones, it resides in the size of the facilities, same that should be according to the quantity of animals sacrificed daily, but not in the technology and functionality of the facilities, as well as in the personnel's training that there works. He/she intended the innovation of establishing a stamp of guarantee of humanitarian sacrifice, with that which the consumer can be sure that the meat product that will buy, comes from animals that were sacrificed with the humanitarian methods of previous desensitization, to avoid to the maximum the suffering of the animals. This stamp can be additional to that of the sanitary inspection.

Title: Methodological proposal: evaluating technological innovation management in small and medium businesses

Authors: Aranda Gutiérrez, Heriberto; De La Fuente Martínez, Martha Leticia; Becerra Reza, María Nieves

Abstract: In order to evaluate technological innovation and management practices of Chihuahua State agro-industrial PyMES an instrument was designed and applied based on concepts established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCDE). The instrument was built up based on technological management recognized models, which integrated the management activities, as well as an instrument with six categories, 26 indicators and three levels of response for each indicator. With professional experts supporting the instrument was adjusted and guided in an enterprise and research center. The results show that its usage allows to explore the level of management carried out by the enterprises, the mayor important technological events, the evidence of documentation and the obtaining of a general evaluation over the enterprise management process.

Title: Sensibility analysis of sugar cane productions with two irrigation technologies (drop and gravity) in Zapotiltic, Jalisco, Mexico

Authors: Torres Sánchez, Guadalupe; Prado Vázquez, Victor Hugo; Rivera Espinoza, Ma. Patricia

Abstract: The objective is to make the investment sensibility analysis in drop irrigation by gravity in sugar cane production, there are three variables involved into the sensibility analysis for both of the irrigation systems: Cane production by hectare (it was sensibilized to low prices), sell price for sugar cane ton (it was sensibilized to low prices), and variations in the production's direct costs (sensibilized to high prices). The Novelo's methodology for sensibility analysis (1944) was used. The three variables involved into the sensibility analysis showed differences to support the outcome results got with the irrigation drop system over the irrigation gravity system by drop.

Title: The combination of government programs, own income and remittances; opportunity agribusiness in communities of high migration

Authors: Avila Cisneros, Rafael; Espinoza A., José de Jesús; Rocha Valdez, Leonardo; Ruiz Torres, José

Abstract: This work of investigation comprises of a project ampler than it must by objective identify and take advantage of the real possibilities to combine the resources by remittances, own income of producers and the governmental contributions to generate more organization and major investment in the municipality of Hidalgo Durango . One includes how antecedent some characteristics of the government programs and a range of experiences of contributions of public work immigrants with philanthropic aims. The sample size that threw the scientific methodology to us was of 200 questionnaires; and in this one work of it presents/displays the analysis of the 100 first; same that was applied of random way in the 16 communities that conform the municipality indicated above. In the obtained results it was identified that the governmental programs are those that generate more entrance, followed by the cattle ranch and last the remittances with only about 160 dollars in average of monthly shipments. How additional result is necessary to mention that obtaining an average when adding the three mentioned income previously; each family counts on a little more than 3 minimum wages; approximately $150.00 per day that is spent in their majority in consumption and education. The organizational aspect of the producers and the immigrants is not a constant, because in the case of first only 33% they are within some organization for the production and in the seconds it was only possible to be documented to a formal club of immigrants and one unreliable person; the formal one on the verge of detonating projects and the unreliable person realizing monetary, technical contributions and of approach with the public university.

Title: Effects of toxic plants on cattle production in Sonora-Mexico

Authors: Moreno M., Salomón; Denogean B., Francisco; Martín R., Martha; Ibarra F., Fernando; Baldenegro C., Arturo

Abstract: In almost all types of vegetation there are species that can cause toxicity to livestock that consumes. The poisoning caused problems in many different animals can affect reproduction, weight gain, and even death. These problems are causing economic losses in the livestock industry it is necessary to quantify but very difficult to achieve it. In Sonora, has been diagnosed rangeland of overgrazing, which manifests itself in a deterioration that diminishes the species desirable and undesirable increases, among these plants are toxic. We have identified 184 species that are toxic and within them there are 59 species that consume livestock and cause problems. For the foregoing are raised by this study, in order to try to estimate the economic impact that cause toxic plants on livestock productivity in Sonora. We used various sources of information for developing analysis and calculations that may come closer to quantifying the economic effects. We used the methodology described by Nielsen et al. (1990) for estimating these losses. The results show that a conservative estimate of the economic effect of these plants on sonorense livestock may represent a loss of around 90 million pesos a year.

Title: Collaboration networks, enterprise strategy in the insertion to value chains

Authors: Arras Vota, Ana María; Fierro Murga, Luz Ernestina; Jáquez Balderrama, José Luis; López Díaz, Julio César

Abstract: This piece of work presents three cases: Caprica, Productores de Chihuahua and Los Porcicultores, all of which have united their efforts and created enterprises as a strategy through which the participants –small producers- generate networks to associate. This allows them the opportunity to insert in value chains and acquire better conditions for their goods, and at the same time they can give them an added value, and by doing this, they find themselves in a different state of integration and insertion in the value chain, which gives them the opportunity to face the challenges of actual life. This paper visualizes the enterprise from the systemic perspective, and as a collectivity of capabilities. Also, it presents the concept of network - individual or groups interconnected with a certain intention- and of social capital. This approach allows considering social relations as a good through which one has the form to accede to quality resources.

Title: Change in paradigm, energy or food production: The case of Puerto Rico

Authors: Colón Guasp, Wilfredo

Abstract: The amount of energy and food consumed in Puerto Rico is more indicative of a developed nation than one than is underdeveloped. All the energy consumed in Puerto Rico is from fossil fuels, while the agricultural sector marginally provides the needs of the consumer. In addition, the animal production sectors rely exclusively on imported feedstock for the preparation of feeds. There is a potential to develop an ethanol industry based initially on sugarcane, as the main feedstock and then turn to biomass from energy cane and or organic solid waste in the future. In order to move to the second generation of ethanol production, the cellulosic ethanol industry has to become economically viable. A limiting factor in the use of sugarcane is that only 40,000 ha are currently available to grow this crop. Potentially, Puerto Rico can produce 200 million liters of ethanol on this area which could substitute 5% of the gasoline that was consumed in 2007. On the other hand, biomass could be obtained from bagasse, energy cane, and from 1.3 metric tons of organic solid waste (food and yard waste) produced annually on the island. This strategy can provide a relief to decreasing the amounts of organic solid waste that end up in the landfills.

NEW YORK, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The S-Network ITG Agriculture Index(SM) (TICKER: AGRI) will add two new components, effective 6:00 PM (EDT) Sunday, March 21, 2010.  Two stocks will be deleted from the index, maintaining the current number of 30 index components. The changes result from the q

MONTERREY, Mexico, March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ("FEMSA") (NYSE: FMX, BMV: FEMSAUBD) announces that subsidiaries of FEMSA have signed an agreement with subsidiaries of The Coca- Cola Company (NYSE: KO) to amend the Shareholders Agreement for Coca-

NEW YORK, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat released the results of its latest Atlanta Restaurants survey today, with ratings and reviews of 737 restaurants in Atlanta as voted on by 2,741 local, online surveyors. This marks the 20th year of Zagat in Atlanta. The survey results can be found at www.ZAGA

BOSTON, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Canada and Boston University's Culinary Arts School will co-host Feast Your Senses, a demonstration of non-traditional lobster and mussel recipes for top New England chefs as part of the Atlantic provinces participation in the 2010 International Boston Seafo

BOSTON, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Canada and Boston University's Culinary Arts School will co-host Feast Your Senses, a demonstration of non-traditional lobster and mussel recipes for top New England chefs as part of the Atlantic provinces participation in the 2010 International Boston Seafo

CORDOVA, Tenn., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- ACH Food Companies, Inc. today announced it is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of French's®, Durkee® and Weber® branded Italian seasoning and spaghetti sauce mixes because an ingredient used in these products has the potential to

DALLAS, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- "Open wide" doesn't begin to describe one Which Wich customer's unforgettable experience with the chain's popular Wicked® Wich. For customer Chad Ettmueller, an attempted bite into his favorite sandwich resulted in 14 hours with his jaw locked open, treatment at

ST. LOUIS, March 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) has been named to The 2010 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list for its demonstrated use of measurable diversity best practices and results. A total of 449 companies participated this year, up 12 perce