Zapopan, Jalisco.– In order to provide timely and reliable information for decision-making, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) held the Technical and Sustainability Seminar for the Agave–Tequila Production Chain at the Tequila Lab auditorium.
CRT President Aurelio López Rocha stated during the opening ceremony that the tequila agroindustry is working to ensure sustainable growth aligned with its 2030 Sustainability Strategy.
He noted that current production processes require compliance with new standards, adoption of clean technologies, treatment systems, energy efficiency practices, and the use of by-products, as well as ecosystem protection and conditions that support long-term economic growth.
Ernesto Marroquín Álvarez, Secretary of Integrated Water Management of Jalisco, also participated in the opening and emphasized the importance of water in tequila production, acknowledging the CRT’s initiative to address these issues.
Paola Bauche Petersen, Secretary of the Environment and Territorial Development (SEMADET), highlighted the results achieved through the ARA certification program, jointly operated by SEMADET and the CRT. She noted that from 2022 to 2025, the program prevented the deforestation of 17,000 hectares linked to agave cultivation.
As part of the seminar activities, Bosque Urbano de Extra A.C. set up a module where attendees were able to adopt a tree.
Technical and Sustainability Seminar Program
The seminar included four lectures and a panel:
Lectures:
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Sustainability Strategy of the Agave–Tequila Chain, delivered by Graciela Hernández Cano (Mario Molina Center).
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New Legal Framework for Water Resources: New General Water Law and Reform to the National Water Law, by Federal Deputy Hugo Luna Vázquez.
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Commercial Information Requirements for Tequila, presented by Juan Carlos Ruiz Gómez, Head of the Inspection Unit at the CRT.
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Emerging Analytical Methodologies for Authenticity, delivered by Rocío Fonseca, Deputy Head of the CRT Analytical Services Unit.
Panel: Liquid Waste Treatment in the Tequila Industry
Participants:
• Josué Díaz Vázquez (SEMADET)
• Hugo Méndez Acosta (University of Guadalajara)
• Daniel Hernández Sánchez (Casa Herradura)
• Mario López Pérez (Jalisco Water Commission)
• Sofía Hernández (Diageo), moderator
The CRT organizes this seminar annually through its Technical Inspection Committee to promote dialogue and collaboration across all segments of the Agave–Tequila Production Chain, aiming to strengthen a sector committed to sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
