Sowing Sustainability: Exploring Vía Orgánica's Vision of Greening the Desert

Last month, I had the privilege of visiting Vía Orgánica , a non-profit dedicated to promoting good nutrition through organic agriculture, fair trade, and environmental protection near the culturally rich and enchanting city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Stepping onto their property is like entering an oasis in the desert — a testament to their vision of a Mexico where organic agriculture, social justice, local commerce, and sustainable living are accessible to all. Vía Orgánica was established in 2009 as a sister organization to the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), a national network of organic consumers in the United States advocating for health, justice, sustainability, peace and democracy. Rosana álvarez, a native of San Miguel and President of Vía Orgánica, along with Rosemary Welch and Ronnie Cummins (Founders of the OCA), created Vía Orgánica to help bridge the gap between small local farmers and consumers seeking healthy, locally produced organic food.

Vía Orgánica's commitment extends beyond their farming practices. They are deeply dedicated to sharing their wealth of knowledge through educational endeavors focused on organic regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and holistic wellness through their Ecological Ranch and Educational Center. Allying with global networks like Millones Contra Monsanto and Consumers International , as well as national campaigns like Without Corn There is No Country, they are leading the way in advocating for food sovereignty, social equity, and environmental preservation in Mexico — and?making?splashes globally.

I was lucky enough to be given a tour by Rosana álvarez (Founder and President) who exudes the special and rare energy of someone who effortlessly and genuinely walks their talk. Grounded, calm, generous and full of life, Rosana is the living embodiment of what it means to live a regenerative life. We walked through the greenhouse as Rosana pointed out medicinal flowers and shared with us the history of Vía Orgánica and the awe-inspiring work they are doing.

Over the last half-decade, Vía Orgánica has broadened its scope, employing grassroots community education and online activism to foster sustainable lifestyles and illuminate the significance of Non-GMO, Organic, and Regenerative Agriculture practices. Through collaborative efforts with local grassroots educators and a nationwide network of allies, Vía Orgánica is at the cutting edge of transformative initiatives. Notably, they are instrumental in the Billion Agave Project — an innovative initiative spearheaded by farmers in Guanajuato, Mexico that integrates agave growth with nitrogen-fixing companion species and rotational livestock grazing. This synergy creates a sustainable, high-biomass ecosystem mitigating climate change while bolstering soil health and providing economical animal fodder —?exemplifying the transformative potential of agave-based agroforestry systems. Garnering attention from diverse stakeholders, this initiative offers hope for addressing rural impoverishment and ecological degradation on a global scale, especially in regions grappling with climate change and soil erosion.

Agave, also known as “maguey” in Spanish, is renowned for its resilience and multifaceted utility, thriving in arid climates with scant water resources. By intercropping agave with nitrogen-fixing trees like mesquite and acacia, farmers can regenerate depleted lands, amplify biomass production, and sequester carbon without irrigation or costly inputs. This approach not only enriches soil health and biodiversity, but also benefits?economic avenues, with potential income streams from agave silage production and livestock grazing.

Rosana led us through an Agave forest, and we all stopped to marvel at the majesty of the plants. You can feel the sturdiness of them, the essence of resilience. They are green in a vast desert of dusty brown — beacons of hope in a changing climate.

A notable innovation within this project involves fermenting agave leaves, which were deemed indigestible until recently, into nutritious animal feed using anaerobic fermentation. This cost-effective silage presents a sustainable alternative to water-intensive animal feeds like alfalfa or hay, especially during dry seasons. Championed by Dr. Juan Frias, this endeavor promises an economic upswing for small-scale farmers and herders, potentially lifting millions out of poverty.

In tandem with the Billion Agave Project, mesquite trees emerge as vital in revitalizing semi-arid regions, mitigating climate change, and alleviating poverty in rural and poor communities — such as along the US/Mexico border. By fostering mesquite-based industries and restoration practices, communities can bolster economic resilience while safeguarding cultural heritage and biodiversity. Mesquite's carbon-sequestering prowess and role in supporting local ecosystems make it a profound solution in building resilient, regenerative economies.

While in Mexico, my mind was opened to a whole new world of delicious products — made by both mesquite and agave. The mesquite pods, rich in protein and natural sugars, are commonly ground into flour or used to make sweeteners. At a local mesquite café, I developed an addiction for the sweet and slightly bitter delicious mesquite drinks and baked goods, which can have a similar taste profile to coffee. Additionally, mesquite leaves and bark have been utilized in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including digestive issues and wound healing.

I also spent more than a few hot afternoons sipping Pulque, a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the agave plant, and the occasional sip of Mezcal. Instead of honey, I tried agave nectar, derived from its sap. I?learned at Vía Orgánica that agave leaves have been historically employed in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in wound healing and digestive health.

Vía Orgánica's growth occurs against the backdrop of Mexico's rapidly expanding organic movement, which generates $600 million annually and boasts a substantial rise in the number of producers. Moreover, Mexico's recent embargo on genetically modified corn underscores its dedication to preserving agricultural heritage, food security, and cultural identity — a principled stand that resonates globally. With corn holding deep cultural, spiritual, and political significance in Mexico, the move is rooted in ensuring the affordability and availability of this crucial crop. Despite facing pressure from larger neighbors like the U.S. and Canada, which view the ban as a violation of free trade agreements, Mexico remains steadfast in its stance. The dispute highlights broader concerns about industrial agriculture and its implications for food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and human health. Mexico's decision to protect its small-scale farmers and preserve traditional farming practices resonates with other countries facing similar challenges, making it a pivotal moment in the global conversation about agricultural policy and trade agreements.

My visit to Vía Orgánica was profoundly inspiring. There's something truly nourishing and transformative about getting our hands in the dirt and experiencing firsthand the beauty of a world we're striving to create — one that Vía Orgánica embodies in its mission and practices. It's a reminder that this more beautiful world we seek is already here in some places.

You can learn more and check out their website here .