Agave cultivation is emerging as a promising alternative for dryland farming in California. This resilient crop thrives under low water conditions and contains valuable compounds—fructans, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenes—linked to health benefits and multiple industrial uses, including beverages, biofuels, and pharmaceutical and food products (López-Romero et al., 2018; Camacho-Ruiz et al., 2023).
To support this growing interest, we are working to educate farmers and the public on agave management, aiming to improve practices, promote diversification, and foster sustainable systems. As part of this effort, we are organizing two key initiatives and invite you to collaborate in promoting and participating in these events.
1. Survey on Agave Production in California
This survey constitutes an initial effort to characterize the current status of agave cultivation in California, including the number and distribution of farms, the species under cultivation, and the primary challenges faced by producers. The data collected will serve as the foundation for developing the California Agave Map and for formulating targeted strategies to enhance farmer training and provide technical support. (The survey will remain open until September 30).
2. Agave Webinar Series
We are organizing a series of online seminars with experts who will address topics related to management, sustainability, and trends in the agave sector. The next one will take place on August 28(12-1 pm) and will feature the owner of Tequila Torrente, the first tequila certified under regenerative practices.
Register to Agave Webinar Series August
Register Agave Webinar September
Register Agave Webinar October
Register Agave Webinar November
The links to access these resources, as well as educational materials related to agave cultivation, can be found in the attached file for your reference and dissemination.
We appreciate your support in sharing this information with interested parties. We remain at your disposal to answer any questions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Thank you,
Dr. Samuel Sandoval Solís (he/él) - Robert M. Hagan Endowed Chair
Professor, University of California, Davis
Cooperative Extension Specialist in Water Resources, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lead Faculty Affiliate, California Institute for Water Resources
Dr. Yessica V. Fernandez Galicia
Research Collaborator - Agave Production in California
University of California, Davis - Water Management Lab
Department of Land, Air & Water Resources
| Veihmeyer 138 | Davis, CA 95616
yesfernandez@ucdavis.edu | phone: +52 (595) 9579114