Trayectoria del sistema de innovación del cultivo de girasol en México, 1965-2018

The evolution of sunflower cultivation in Mexico within the framework of global agri-food transitions related to fat consumption is explained. The innovation system approach (IS) was used to study an emerging crop in the context of the traditional national food production patterns. The information was collected from publications and statistical data published between 1965-2018 and from semi-structured interviews with key actors. The information collected was ordered chronologically, identifying relevant actors and events that have affected the crop's trajectory and the IS configuration. The results show that the introduction of sunflower responded to the demand for vegetable oil and fats as a viable alternative for farmers and the agri-food industry. However, its development as a commercial crop has been subordinated to the use of other oilseeds from which by-products are obtained, which by adding their value to that of vegetable oil are more attractive to the industry. Nevertheless, the genetic improvement of sunflower has resulted in new genotypes from which oil is obtained with desirable properties for human health. This opens a new possibility of crop expansion.