The PROCEDE Process

1. The government conducts an analysis of the land, and the community to verify if the ejido meets the requirements of the PROCEDE program.

2. All the documents pertaining to the ejido, and its application into the PROCEDE program are validated.

3. The community must establish that the majority of its members support the privatization of the ejido, and if so, the ejido must call a general assembly.

4. A general assembly is held to determine the overall objectives and expectations of the community, to define which land will be included in the proposal, and to formalize the petition to the government.

5. A draft survey of how the land will be allocated is prepared.

6. The draft survey is presented to the ejido community.

7. Once the draft survey is approved, precise maps and markings are established and the property is zoned for either housing, common use, or as a certified parcel.

8. A general assembly is held to outline the legal issues pertaining to the land, and the assignment of properties.

9. Property Certificates and titles are issued by the National Agrarian Registry.

It is important to note that each step requires extensive organization, time, and the consensus of an entire community. Nothing ever happens fast, and it has taken many ejidos several years to complete the PROCEDE process. Fortunately for investors many ejidos have already finished the process, and their individual members already possess property certificates and title documents.

It is also important to note that the property certificates and title documents issued after the completion of the PROCEDE program can only be sold or transferred to other members of the ejido community. Ejido members must first apply for Dominio Pleno (full title) before a property can be transferred to a non-ejido buyer. The first sale is also subject to Rights of First Refusal. Dominio Pleno and Rights of First Refusal are further explained in the next few pages.