Value chain applied to Cuban agricultural and livestock entities

As an exercise in participatory research-innovation, supported by scientific results, this work was carried out as Juan Pérez Lamas’ thesis for his doctoral degree in agricultural sciences. It describes the selection and implementation of a value chain management model in 20 agricultural entities engaged in the production of fruits, vegetables, oilseeds and honey. The initial production chain management model was diagnosed in each entity, according to technical-productive, organizational, economic, environmental and social dimensions. A baseline was defined for the 20 entities, which was compared with the results obtained after the application of the value chain. During implementation, 21 scientific results, 23 technological improvements and 25 innovations were introduced in co-innovation processes. Production increases were achieved in the four areas. The organizational, social and productive contribution of the new management model favored the application of agroecological practices. For the first time in the country, a Participatory Guarantee System was designed and applied to certify agroecology.