Green Onions

Green onions in Mexico are primarily grown in regions with temperate climates, such as Baja Califronia and Guanajuato. Farmers typically plant seeds in well-drained soil and use drip irrigation to optimize water usage. The growing period is around 60 to 90 days, and harvesting is done by hand. After harvesting, the onions are washed, sorted and packaged for distributions.

The supply chain to the store shelf in Canada generally involves various steps including cultivation. After harvest, the green onions are cleaned, sorted and packaged by local farmers. The packaged onions are then transported via refrigerated trucks to distribution centers in Canada. From these centers, they are sent to  grocery stores across Canada, where they are displayed for consumers to purchase.

The power balance between the producer and seller is the interplay of power dynamics between the developed and developing nations. In this case, Larger corporations benefit significantly from green onion imports due to their ability to leverage economies of scale. They can impose policies, including pricing and quality standards, which often leads to reduced profit margins for Mexican farmers. According to Lee et al. (2012) “the lead firms are powerful and resourceful enough to set and enforce individual and collective private standard” (p.28).  In this case, the larger Canadian corporations can impose prices that can pressure mexican farmers, leading to reduced profit margins for them. These farmers may struggle with high production costs and limited bargaining power. Consequently, while corporations maximize their profits, the farmers often recieve a fracton of the price. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequlaity that limits their ability to invest in suistainable farming practicies.

Since globalization, larger corporations have significantly influenced production in developing countries. Economic policies such as neoliberalism, free markets, privitization, and deregulation have shaped the landscape of agricultural production and supply chains. While these strategies are designed to maximize profits for corporations, they often have detrimental impacts on smaholders and producers. The power dynamics in this system typicall favor the corporations, leaving small farmers struggling to compete and suistain their livelihoods.

To improve the balance in this system, one reccommendation could be to establish fair trade practicies that ensure farmers receive a more equitable share of profits. By implementing fair trade standards, consumers can support sustainable farming practicies while providing farmers with better compensation for their hard work. Additionally, creating direct trade relationships between farmers and consumers can help bypass intermediaries, allowing farmers to retain more of their income. This approach not only empowers producers but also fosters a more sustainable and ethical food system that benefits all stakeholders involved.

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