Production and commercialization of dairy products are represented on the South region of Guanajuato State for a big number of family units. They are small productive units, generally integrated by two people (wife and husband) that produce goat and cow cheeses, curd, “jocoque” (natural yogurt), cream, yogurt, “cajeta” and milky candies. The object of this study was to determine subsistence and developmental opportunities of dairy handmade units in the south region of Guanajuato State, Mexico.

In 1999, a governmental study identified 76 productive units that have 180 workers. Nowadays, a field investigation reveals a higher number of productive units. This shows importance of these units has acquired. For example, it was found more than 500 productive units of goat cheese (6.6 higher than in 1999). Cheese manufacturers are from low socioeconomic level. Producers acquire milk from the own cluster, bought to other producers or in both ways. This process is always made after to milk and taken to the houses or establishments where cheeses are made. In the small productive units, the process carries out manually by women at home. Bigger units use a special local, developed technology, with safety measures, and proper hygiene. The sale of the product is made house by house in the community, in neighbor communities or in big cities. They also surrender the products in stores of groceries and small supermarkets. The sale of other dairy products as yogurt, cow cheese and “cajeta”, is made in small factories located in bigger cities.

It was identified that dairy products require improving their processes, especially goat cheeses. It could be possible through organization of the producers and training in the technical and healthful handling. Product's commercialization has some limitations that could be resolve with an adequate orientation and support.