Farming in Mexico: Subsistence vs. Commercial, Intensive vs. Extensive

Two Primary Modes

• Subsistence Farming: Small-scale, rural, family-focused. Staples: corn, beans, squash. Low input, low surplus, minimal market integration.
• Commercial Farming: Market-oriented, capital-intensive, large-scale. Uses irrigation, machinery, improved seeds. Targets domestic/export markets (avocados, berries, tomatoes, coffee, agave).

Commercial Sub-Categories

• Intensive Farming: High inputs (fertilizer, pesticide, water, labor) per hectare to maximize yield. Common for high-value vegetables, fruits, berries. Environmental concerns: runoff, soil degradation.
• Extensive Farming: Low inputs per hectare, reliance on rainfall, large land areas. Typical for grains (corn, wheat), cattle ranching. Lower yields/ha but often lower environmental intensity per unit area.

The choice depends on climate, water access, capital, land tenure, and market access.