- Joint areas of work were established to address the challenges facing the sector and strengthen the sustainable development of the Tequila agroindustry.
- Key areas of focus include the review of agave plantations, plant health, and the protection of traditional producers.
Zapopan, Jalisco, October 29, 2026. — With the aim of implementing an action plan for the Tequila sector that brings together the entire Agave–Tequila Production Chain, representatives of the Federal Government, the Government of Jalisco, the Tequila Regulatory Council A.C. (CRT), the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT), and representatives of the agroindustry held a working meeting chaired by Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Columba López Gutiérrez.
This meeting marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with the agroindustry to address the challenges facing the Production Chain, particularly those related to agave, the number of producers, the registration and updating of plantation records, as well as the need to strengthen strategic planning mechanisms, plant health, and producer protection.
Secretary of Agriculture Columba López Gutiérrez expressed the Federal Government’s willingness to work in coordination with producers, industry organizations, and state authorities to develop a strategy that addresses the challenges facing the agave-growing sector.
During the meeting, the agroindustry presented the initiatives it has been promoting to improve conditions for agave producers. These include the Agave Responsable Social (ARS) certification mark, the geospatial monitoring platform, alternative uses for agave, Tequila inventory pledging, crop conversion, access to new markets, a plant health campaign, and efforts to secure a tax incentive to encourage agave consumption.
Likewise, alternatives for soil restoration, the development of biofertilizers, and the use of agave in other industrial applications were discussed.
“At the CRT, we have promoted various initiatives aimed at minimizing, as much as possible, the impact of this current period, with particular attention to the social foundation represented by small-scale traditional producers, who have always been part of this Tequila agroindustry, remain essential today, and must continue to be part of its future,” stated Aurelio López Rocha, President of the Tequila Regulatory Council.
For his part, Roberto Ciprés Cruces, President of the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT), emphasized the importance of bringing together the different stakeholders across the Production Chain to develop joint solutions, recognizing both the current challenges and the sector’s development opportunities, as well as the willingness of the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development to support the agroindustry’s efforts.
Secretary Columba López highlighted the need to strengthen agave plantations and establish mechanisms that contribute to the sustainability of the Production Chain through a coordinated action plan.
“This is a process involving producers, technicians, regional offices, and the state government, working together to develop an effective strategy to restore deforested areas and regions where this crop is facing marketing challenges,” stated Columba López.
In this regard, the proposal was made to work with the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), in coordination with other federal authorities, within the scope of their respective responsibilities. Regarding plant health, discussions addressed the implementation of a campaign to prevent and control regulated agave pests, particularly the agave weevil.
Eduardo Ron Ramos, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development of Jalisco, expressed the State Government’s willingness to contribute technical expertise and equipment.
“Our plant health agency, which works closely with SENASICA, already has drones that we are making available for a multidisciplinary program led by the Federal Government, under your coordination and with the participation of the various agencies, so that we can begin mitigating the effects of the agave weevil, in particular,” stated Jalisco’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Eduardo Ron Ramos.
Protection of Traditional Producers
The protection of traditional producers was one of the central topics addressed during the meeting, with particular emphasis on the scope and benefits of the ARS (Agave Responsable Social) certification. Opportunities to strengthen Tequila’s presence in international markets, particularly in Asia, were also reviewed, along with research and technological development initiatives aimed at improving planning and competitiveness across the Production Chain.
“We have a proposal for the producers, as well as one for the CRT, and our support is available to both, as well as to the state governments. These are the matters we can work on together, while we continue reaching out and opening doors. This is a key issue involving many producers, and we need to work on it,” stated Federal Secretary Columba López Gutiérrez.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the topics discussed would be followed up through a new meeting and dedicated working groups, with the participation of authorities and industry representatives. The agenda also included visits to an agave plantation and a Tequila distillery in the municipality of El Arenal.
The Tequila Regulatory Council and the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry reiterated the importance of maintaining an institutional collaboration agenda to advance strategic planning for the Agave–Tequila Production Chain, protect traditional producers, and strengthen the competitive and sustainable development of the Tequila agroindustry.
