Guadalajara, Jalisco.– The National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT, for its acronym in Spanish) announced its commitment to increase direct agave purchases through the Agave Responsable Social (ARS) certification platform. The decision aims to stabilize the market and support traditional agave growers, affected by a surge in planting driven by rising demand.
As part of the initiative, the CNIT agreed to halt the issuance of agave transportation permits (pasaportes de traslado) for crops planted in 2020 and beyond, giving priority to agaves from 2017, 2018, and 2019. Temporary suspension of agave transfers through the “traspasos” mechanism was also announced, except in exceptional cases.
Roberto Ciprés Cruces, president of CNIT, emphasized the importance of the agreement: “The challenge is significant, but we are committed to generating solutions. We’re pleased to announce our commitment to intensify direct purchases through this mechanism.”
The ARS certification fosters direct connections between agave producers and tequila manufacturers, helping to eliminate intermediaries and ensure sustainability for the sector’s more than 5,900 traditional growers.
These measures are part of a broader strategy involving the CNIT, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT, for its acronym in Spanish), and federal and state authorities, focused on environmental preservation, social well-being, and economic development.
