In the high desert valleys of central Mexico, an ancient plant is guiding a modern revolution. Agave, long revered for its spiritual, cultural, and practical value, is at the heart of a visionary project called the Billion Agave Project. Spearheaded by the late Ronnie Cummins—co-founder of the Organic Consumers Association and Regeneration International—this initiative blends indigenous wisdom with regenerative agriculture to heal degraded soils, capture carbon, and create sustainable livelihoods.
Agave's Cultural and Traditional Legacy
For millennia, agave has been a sacred and utilitarian plant for indigenous peoples across Mesoamerica. It has served as a source of food, fiber, and fermented beverages since pre-Columbian times. Agave nectar and roasted agave hearts (piñas) were consumed as sweeteners and sustenance.
One of its most celebrated uses has been in the production of fermented and distilled drinks. The sap of agave was traditionally fermented to create pulque, a sacred beverage in Aztec and other indigenous ceremonies. Later, the distillation of roasted agave gave rise to two globally renowned spirits: tequila, made primarily from Agave tequilana (Blue Agave), and mezcal, which can be made from dozens of agave species, often using traditional underground ovens and wooden fermentation vats. These beverages continue to be cultural staples and major agricultural products in Mexico, with growing global popularity. Beyond commerce, they remain deeply tied to ancestral ceremonies, social rituals, and land-based knowledge.
Beginning to harvest aguamiel, the mead of the agave *
Agave's Regenerative Promise
• Animal Forage and Soil Reclamation
Agave's fibrous leaves and the nutrient-rich by-products of its processing—known as bagasse—can be ground and mixed with legumes or other green materials to create high-fiber forage for cattle, goats, and sheep.1 These agave-based feeds are especially valuable in arid climates where conventional pasture fails. They not only reduce feed costs but enhance local food security. Moreover, the same biomass can be used as mulch or compost, supporting the recovery of depleted soils and improving water retention.
• Vegan Leather from Tequila Waste
The Mexican company Desserto has pioneered a line called "Desserto Agave," using agave fiber left over from tequila production to make vegan leather alternatives.2 These materials are breathable, highly durable, and produced with minimal water and chemical inputs. With up to 89% organic content, agave-based leathers rival traditional animal or synthetic options in durability while reducing environmental harm.
Aguamiel which will ferment into pulque *
• Medicinal and Nutritional Uses
Traditional medicine across Mesoamerica has used agave for centuries as a natural antiseptic, diuretic, and digestive aid.3 Scientific reviews show that agave's inulin and fructooligosaccharides serve as prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria, potentially improving digestion and immune response.4 However, some compounds like agavosides and saponins can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.5
Agave syrup, derived primarily from Blue Agave, offers a low glycemic sweetener rich in fructose but must be used in moderation due to its metabolic effects.6 Some nutritional profiles also highlight its antioxidant and vitamin B6 content, potentially contributing to cardiovascular support.7
• Soil Building and Carbon Sequestration
Agave agroforestry systems—especially those developed in the Jalpa Valley near San Miguel de Allende—are capable of producing up to 43 tons of dry biomass per hectare annually.8 These systems sequester approximately 8.7 tons of CO₂ per hectare above ground, with additional carbon stored in root exudates and organic soil matter, bringing the total to over 11 tons annually in ideal conditions.9
Agave roots release up to 30% of fixed carbon into the surrounding soil, fueling microbial communities and soil organic matter accumulation.10 When combined with nitrogen-fixing trees like mesquite and acacia, these systems improve water infiltration, prevent erosion, and build long-term fertility. Global studies show that such agroforestry approaches can increase soil organic carbon by 10–19% in arid regions.11
Integration with rotational livestock grazing accelerates these benefits by adding organic nutrients and stimulating native grass regrowth. Leaf litter and decaying matter further enhance soil moisture and structure.12 In degraded landscapes, agave-based polycultures represent one of the most efficient ways to restore fertility, store carbon, and combat desertification.13
Making mezcal *
Agave stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. Whether through food, fiber, fuel, medicine, or climate action, its role is growing. Through the Billion Agave Project and similar efforts, we can reimagine this ancient plant not just as a survivor of the desert, but as a keystone for regeneration. I am proud to have walked this path alongside Ronnie Cummins, whose legacy continues to flourish in every green shoot across the Jalpa Valley.
To learn more, please watch the upcoming documentary: Agave: Leaves of Life. Here is the trailer:
Rancho Vía Orgánica is an organic regenerative ranch located in the Jalpa Valley just 15 minutes from the Luciérnaga Mall. Open every day, it is a working ranch, seed bank, restaurant, education center, and home to the Billion Agave Project.
Roger D. Jones has been living in San Miguel for 43 years, married to Rosana Alvarez, a local girl and a co-founder of Vía Orgánica, for 40 of those. Roger is a community organizer, who is happily living The Mexican Dream.
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