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Abstract
Agricultural research in INIFAP (National Institute for Agricultural, Livestock and
Forestry Research of Mexico) has been traditionally oriented to increase yields. Under this
approach research objectives have been directed to obtain more kilograms of grains per
hectare, more milk liters per cow, more meat per animal, etc. As national and international
agricultural context has been changed, new approaches have been included and topics like
environment and market trends are now incorporated to INIFAP's research activity.
The market approach has been taken into account in an implicit way in some research
projects of INIFAP. However, it is necessary to pay more attention to this topic because as it is
known, consumers orient type and characteristics of goods to be produced. In this paper current
situation and market trends of four important agricultural products in the Comarca Lagunera
region are presented: cantaloupe, cotton, pecans and forages. In each case, after market trends
and situation analysis, research approaches and topics are recommended to be followed by
researchers of INIFAP Laguna. A common point in each case is that agricultural production
should be profitable, increase farmer's income and standard of life, and at the same time be
environmentally friendly.
KeyWords: cantaloupe, cotton, pecans, forages, per unit yields, market trends.