I’m a Biologist with a master’s degree in Sustainability. I have studied the impact of livestock on soils and the spatial analysis of traditional food systems in Mexico. I’m a member of a Participatory Action Research team, collaborating with a beekeeper community in Guerrero, Mexico.

My research will explore the impacts on rural food systems engendered by North American Free Trade Agreement (Mexico-USA-Canada) in Mexico. One of the problems with increasing flows of agricultural products between countries is that the food environment is modified. The food environment influences people`s consumption through the availability, affordability and accessibility of food and drinks.

Therefore, traditional Mexican eating patterns, considered healthy and sustainable, are being substituted for the consumption of high-calorie, high-energy foods and beverages. This contributes to the health emergency of obesity and diabetes, which affects about 70% of adults, with a particular increase among women and people living in rural areas.

This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Intra- and Extraterritorial dynamics that regulate food and production systems at different levels (family, community and region). It will focus on basic food basket regulations, the rise of supermarkets and convenience stores and the adaptation strategies of peasants due to their integration into the Trade Agreement.

Patricia is a Postgraduate Researcher being supervised by John Thompson and Anabel Marin.