Regenerative Agriculture in Mexico: Sustainable Innovation for Impact
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Need for Regenerative Agriculture in Michoacán
- Environmental and Economic Challenges Before Regeneration
- How Regenerative Farming Practices Increased Yield and Reduced Emissions
- Regenerative Agriculture as a Path to Inclusive Growth
- Training Farmers in Regenerative Agriculture for Long-Term Impact
In Michoacán, Mexico, strawberry producers are getting hands-on training to increase production, access reliable markets, and grow fruit sustainably.
Mexico is one of the world’s top strawberry producers and the biggest supplier of fresh berries to the United States. Yet Mexican strawberry producers face significant challenges, including high production costs, water scarcity, and poor soil quality.
In Maravatío, Michoacán, Mexico, 150 small strawberry producers and nearly 600 additional farmers have benefited from Madre Tierra, an initiative that has revolutionized the way strawberries are grown in the region. As a result, 1 in 5 strawberries used by Danone in North America comes from this program.
Beyond the numbers, Madre Tierra serves as an example of how agriculture can be sustainable while also empowering local producers.
The Need for Regenerative Agriculture in Michoacán
The need to diversify the supply of high-quality strawberries without compromising the environment was the driving force behind Madre Tierra. “The program was born out of the need to produce sustainably,” explained Jean-Marie Gerbeaux, regional sourcing manager at Grupo DANONE.
This initiative is the result of a pilot developed between Danone, Fonds Danone pour l’Ecosysteme, Altex, Fundación Walmart, Nuup, and TechnoServe. We joined forces to implement a supply model based on regenerative agriculture, grounded in a win-win commercial relationship.
This approach preserves the environment and strengthens the local economy by implementing sustainable practices to enhance soil health, optimize water use, and promote biodiversity. Collaboration with farmers has been key to achieving these goals, generating a positive impact both in their communities and on the planet.
Environmental and Economic Challenges Before Regeneration
The temperate climate of Maravatío is ideal for strawberry cultivation. It has turned this region into a productive epicenter of significant economic importance. According to the Servicio de Información Agroalimentaria y Pesquera (SIAP), 73% of the national strawberry production originates from Michoacán.
However, this success has also brought environmental challenges. Intensive conventional agricultural practices had deteriorated the soil, reduced biodiversity, and generated a significant carbon footprint.
Agricultural practices, such as the intensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, intense tillage, and high water consumption, led to emissions of 44,142 kg of CO₂e per hectare (CO₂ eq/ha) every year, comparable to driving a typical gasoline-powered car around the Earth’s equator 4.5 times. Additionally, the excessive use of fertilizers and water compromised the long-term sustainability of the land. This reality called for urgent change.
How Regenerative Farming Practices Increased Yield and Reduced Emissions
TechnoServe specialists trained farmers to implement regenerative practices on their farms. These techniques reduced their dependence on chemical inputs and stress on natural resources. It also decreased the carbon footprint by 50%. Perhaps best of all, the farmers saw a 19.1-ton increase in production per hectare, thanks to soil regeneration.
“Before, I felt that the land was exhausted,” said Claudia Cuenca, a producer in the program. “Now my crops are stronger, and I know I am taking care of the soil that will sustain my family for many years, even generations.”
Claudia’s testimony reflects the tangible impact that Madre Tierra has had on the lives of farmers, who now see their land as a renewed source of opportunities.
Regenerative Agriculture as a Path to Inclusive Growth
Madre Tierra not only seeks to address climate challenges but also to create a more equitable economic model for local producers. By eliminating intermediaries and facilitating access to the formal market, the program has allowed farmers to increase their incomes by 30%, significantly improving their quality of life.
“The success of Madre Tierra inspires us to expand this model to other strawberry-producing regions, consolidating regenerative agriculture as a pillar of sustainable development in Mexico,” said Ana Ximena Pérez, Program Manager at Grupo DANONE.
Training Farmers in Regenerative Agriculture for Long-Term Impact
Madre Tierra’s comprehensive approach also includes training farmers in sustainable agronomic practices. Methods such as crop rotation, incorporation of organic matter, use of vegetative barriers to attract pollinators, and efficient water management are transforming the way strawberries are produced in the region.
“These practices not only restore the soils; they also reduce costs and improve the quality and yield of production,” concluded Carolina Cely, TechnoServe Mexico country director.
Madre Tierra is more than just an agricultural program—it is proof that sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand. Its success has changed the way agriculture is conceived, demonstrating that caring for the environment and strengthening communities is as important as increasing production.
The path started in Maravatío does not end here. With a clear vision and firm commitment, Madre Tierra is poised to serve as a model for transforming agriculture in other regions of Mexico.
