Work preferences in a fruit and vegetable agroexport region in baja california, mexico

The main objective of the study was to estimate and analyze the declared work preferences of agricultural laborers in a fruit and vegetable export production region in Baja California, Mexico. Derived from a case study, the economic value of certain benefits and work attributes inherent to agricultural work was estimated. The research was conducted in the San Quintin Valley, in the state of Baja California, an agricultural region linked to globalization due to its border proximity to the United States, and with a dominant presence of day laborers from regions of southwestern Mexico. A discrete choice experiment was designed, and 124 surveys were conducted considering relevant sociodemographic and work aspects. The findings suggest preferences for work activities at harvest time, temporary contracts, while access to medical service as a service of the production unit is the attribute that governs the choices of day laborers. In the latter case, it has been assigned an economic value of 3.9 dollars/day.