Introduction to Agave Responsible Social (ARS) Certification
Guadalajara, Jalisco. The Agave Responsible Social (ARS) certification, which assists agave producers in directly connecting with the tequila industry to sell their raw materials without intermediaries, has been awarded to over 1,300 agave producers, according to the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT).
ARS’s Impact and Growth
A year after its launch, the ARS certification has enabled traditional farmers to sell more than 158,000 tons of agave directly to tequila factories. Alexis Ávarez, the CRT’s Agricultural Certification Manager, confirmed this achievement.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
ARS not only recognizes traditional agave producers but also encourages direct connections between producers and promotes contract farming. It fosters the professionalization of the primary sector, as evidenced by 150 agave producers recently participating in a workshop on regenerative agriculture, learning sustainable farming practices that contribute to soil and ecosystem conservation.
Collaborative Efforts
The ARS certification launch in October 2024 is part of the CRT’s efforts, in collaboration with the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT) and federal and state governments, to strengthen agave cultivation planning and solidify the tequila sector’s sustainability.
Continued Support for Agroindustrial Tequila Sector
Alexis Álvarez highlighted that ARS has been a collective effort from all sectors of the agave-tequila production chain. Over 1,300 agave producers have been certified, more than 158,000 tons of agave have been delivered to tequila factories, and 148 companies have joined the program. The CRT emphasizes that agave cultivation planning is a shared responsibility among all agroindustrial tequila sector members, and they will continue to promote technical knowledge and informed decision-making among producers in the municipalities within the Tequila Origin Denomination (DOT) territory.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Agave Responsible Social (ARS) certification? ARS is a certification program that connects agave producers directly with the tequila industry, eliminating intermediaries and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- How many agave producers have received the ARS certification? Over 1,300 agave producers have been awarded the ARS certification.
- What has been the impact of the ARS certification? The ARS certification has facilitated the sale of over 158,000 tons of agave directly to tequila factories, supporting traditional farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Who is involved in the ARS certification program? The ARS certification program is a collaborative effort among the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT), federal and state governments, and all sectors of the agave-tequila production chain.
- What ongoing support does the CRT provide to the agroindustrial tequila sector? The CRT continues to promote technical knowledge and informed decision-making among agave producers, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and shared responsibility for agave cultivation planning.
