2014年-世界发展银行全球_Fundacion_Jalisco_Incubator___Mexico_Case_Study_12页_1mb

Fundación Jalisco Incubator - Mexico Case Study Summary

Core Content

Fundación Jalisco is a private, nonprofit civil association established in 2006 in the Mexican state of Jalisco, inspired by the success of Fundación Chile. The foundation aims to improve the competitiveness of agricultural production chains by supporting small farmers through innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. It has developed a business model centered around high-value crops like blueberries, and is now expanding into olive oil and cheese production.

Main Objectives

• To increase the competitiveness of agricultural production chains in Jalisco.
• To assist small farmers in becoming business entrepreneurs by providing training, technical support, and access to markets.
• To promote innovation and sustainable development in rural areas.

Key Information

• Founded: 2006 by Francisco Conejo, who also played a key role in creating Fundación Chile.
• First Project: Importing high-yield blueberry plants from the U.S., establishing a nursery, and distributing plants to local farmers.
• Business Model: Combines state funding and private investment to support agricultural development.
• Profitability: Blueberry cultivation is highly profitable, with one hectare yielding 7.8 times more than sugar cane and 9.8 times more than corn.
• Market Reach: Products are sold in Mexico and internationally in the U.S. and U.K.
• Expansion: The foundation is now exploring olive oil and cheese production to diversify its offerings and ensure long-term sustainability.

Strategic Vision, Mission, and Targets

• Vision: To lead in innovation and business development with a public interest.
• Mission: To support rural entrepreneurs and create high-value production chains.
• Three Strategic Pillars:
  1. Innovation: Introducing new production, commercialization, and organizational methods.
  2. Inclusion: Ensuring equitable wealth generation across society.
  3. Sustainability: Promoting the long-term viability of agricultural businesses.

Distinctive Features

• Focuses on small producers and helps them become entrepreneurs.
• Provides technical training, business skills development, and unlimited technical assistance.
• Offers hands-on support and outsourced consulting.
• Emphasizes value creation and geographic clustering.
• Has a dedicated publication, Innovar Jalisco, to share innovations and success stories.

Brand and Market Position

• Fundación Jalisco has a strong market position due to its competitive berry production in Mexico, especially in winter months when U.S. producers are less active.
• It is recognized for innovation, mutually beneficial partnerships, and access to barrier-free markets.
• The foundation's reputation for success is bolstered by collaborations with reputable organizations like Fundación Chile and VitalBerry.

Approach to Incubation

Fundación Jalisco facilitates collaborations between public institutions, entrepreneurs, and society to drive agricultural development. Its approach includes:

• Connecting technical knowledge to local agricultural needs.
• Bringing in agricultural experts for support.
• Promoting investment in small businesses.
• Designing high-value production chains.
• Stimulating regional development and improving quality of life.

Services Provided

• Access to high-quality berry plants.
• Technical assistance in land preparation, planting, and harvesting.
• Training programs for 124 cities in Jalisco.
• Information dissemination through Innovar Jalisco and for potential investors and customers.
• Commercialization support via Comercializadora de Moras de Jalisco.

Institutional Framework

• Fundación Jalisco operates as a nonprofit civil association.
• It collaborates with external agents for technical support and manages innovation through subcontracts.
• The advisory board plays a crucial role in project feasibility assessments and strategic guidance.
• As the foundation expands, it may hire its own technical experts and reduce reliance on external consultants.

Critical Success Factors

1. Government Support: Provided initial funding and facilitated access to resources.
2. Technical Assistance: Improved coordination and profitability in the value chain.
3. Availability of Services: Ensured continuous support to producers.
4. Early Profits: Demonstrated the viability of the business model and attracted further investment.

Lessons Learned

• A good idea is not enough; it must be marketable and profitable.
• Execution is key; partnerships with experienced stakeholders are essential.
• Defining the client base is critical for effective clustering and long-term success.

Future Goals

• To attract short-term investment in the form of a 5–10 year endowment for long-term agricultural projects.
• To expand nursery and production capabilities for olive oil and cheese.
• To continue diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its market position.

References

• Eric Rolf Hansen, 2011, Background Case Study Fundación Jalisco in Mexico, conducted by Agrifood Consulting International (ACI) and Economic Transformation Group (ETG) for infoDev.
• Fundación Jalisco: “Innovación y Desarrollo para Generar Riqueza”.
• Fundación Jalisco Interview Notes, February 9, 2011.
• Fundación Jalisco Plan Operativo Annual, Actividades 2009.
• Fundación Jalisco, “Programa de Desarrollo de la Industria de Berries en Jalisco”.
• Informador.Com.MX, “Jalisco busca posicionarse en el Mercado de arandano”.

Contacts

• Website: www.fundacionjalisco.com
• Fundación Jalisco, Innovación y Desarrollo A.C.
• Address: Tapalpa 40, Vallarta Poniente, C.P. 44110, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
• Tel: +52 (33) 3121 4201 / 3121 4195, Ext. 124
• Email: flopezb@fundacionjalisco.com