Sustainable production of Andean agave

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at strengthening the sustainable production of agave and its by-products in Ecuador by integrating good practices and lessons learned from Mexico and the traditions and history of French wine production.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative contributed to capacity building of the Partnership entities to create an integrated management model for the sustainable production of Andean agave, aiming to maintain its protected designation of origin status while respecting the environment and cultural traditions.

Knowledge exchange and expertise

The initiative leveraged:

• Mexico’s expertise, through the International College of Tequila Technicians and Masters, Civil Association (CITEMATEQ), in sustainable agave production.
• France’s experience, provided by the School of Agriculture and Viticulture d’Amboise, in enhancing competitiveness and diversifying the added value of the wine industry.

This Triangular Cooperation Partnership aimed to strengthen the National Association of Productive Chains of Penco and Cabuya of Ecuador (ANAGAVEC) in designing a sustainable agro-industrial production model for Andean agave, integrating added value and socio-cultural impact.

Expanding impact and collaboration

Beyond developing a sustainable production model, the Partnership also sought to:

• Explore new collaborative opportunities for expanding marketing activities.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange among key stakeholders.
• Promote the dissemination and replication of the Andean Agave Sustainable Management Model in other contexts, countries, and regions.

By integrating sustainability, tradition, and innovation, this initiative contributed to enhancing agave-based industries and promoting inclusive economic growth in Ecuador and beyond.

Project activities

This initiative was structured around seven key activities, designed to facilitate knowledge transfer among Partnership entities while developing tools to strengthen the Beneficiary entity based on the expertise of the Provider entities.

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training representatives of ANAGAVEC to implement best practices within its production units, improving the yield, profitability, and sustainability of Andean agave production.
• Model implementation: development of "Anthropological Dimensions for a Sustainable Andean Agave Production Model", empowering ANAGAVEC to disseminate best practices and promote sustainable development.
• Research collaboration: a study collected data on the distribution, concentration, and production of agave in the Andean region, identifying:
  • Measures to protect the Miske designation of origin
  • Guidelines for developing agave-based tourism industries
• Policy development: a final seminar brought together:
  • Andean agave producers
  • Local and national authorities
  • Academics
  • Stakeholders from other agricultural production chains
• Community engagement: emphasising agave's cultural value, the initiative promoted:
  • Sustainable tourism development
  • Community strengthening
  • Agricultural quality improvements

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the initiative, a cross-cutting approach was applied, integrating:

• Gender equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate change considerations

These themes were highlighted in experience-sharing, embedded in joint work sessions, and incorporated into the final report, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to sustainable agave production.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in sustainable agro-industrial production were leveraged to develop the “Anthropological Dimensions for a Sustainable Andean Agave Production Model” (Dimensiones antropológicas para un modelo sostenible de producción de agave andino).

The results of this initiative have contributed to and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• Target 9.2: "Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries."
• Target 9.4: "By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities."

By fostering sustainable production practices, industrial innovation, and environmental responsibility, this initiative contributes to inclusive economic growth and the long-term sustainability of the Andean agave sector.

Implementing partner

International College of Tequila Technicians and Masters, Civil Association - CITEMATEQ