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PROJECTS

REWILDING AND COMPLIMENTARY PROJECTS

In addition to the development of the AAS, we will also be working to rewild and reforest areas impacted by the cultivation of Agave tequilana Weber. These efforts will initially be focussed around the properties we are implementing the AAS but will extend as resources, know-how and the team expands.

These Rewilding efforts will include:

 

Habitat measurement and restoration:
The habitat around the Zapotitlán Reserve is part of a wild feline corridor, and we have initiated a camera trap program under the supervision of ecologist Brenda Gonzalez Nava to evaluate the current populations of felines and to determine how it changes with the implementation of the ARP Programs.

We will be working with a group of bat experts to measure the population of bats in the area and determine the change in population when the endemic agave varieties planted as part of the program flower and reproduce.

Endemic agave planting:

Wherever possible we will include endemic varieties of agave in our rewilding and AAS

implementation. Endemic varieties of agave will be included in the vegetation lines of the AAS.

Erosion measurement and control:
This will be an important part of all our rewilding objectives. Erosion is a significant byproduct of agave cultivation, especially when agave lines are planted perpendicular to gradient lines. Each centimeter of soil lost takes over 200 years to be replaced. On the ARP Zapotitlan reserve we have measured up to 8 cm of erosion in some areas of the property as a result of agave cultivation.

Ecosystem Connectivity:
We will also focus on establishing or enhancing connections between fragmented habitats to allow for the movement of wildlife.
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FOUNDATION 8 YEAR PLAN

The ARP’s goal for the next 8 years is to test various versions of the AAS to create a scientifically validated model for broader adoption in the agave spirits industry. The plan includes a high-level schedule aligned with the 8-year agave harvest cycle and will be reviewed and adjusted annually based on progress, insights, and resources.

2024
Year 1
  • Establish 1 hectare of AAS in the Zapotitlan ARP Reserve.
  • Establish a storage facility and water capture system.
  • Establish 1 hectare of the AAS in collaboration with Selva Negra and the Ahuisculco Ejido.

 

2025
Year 2
  • Establish an additional 3 hectares of the AAS at the Zapotitlan ARP Reserve.
  • Establish basic accommodation at the property for research work.
2026
Year 3
  • Maintain 4 hectares of AAS in Zapotitlan and build eco-cabins for education and revenue.
  • Extend AAS to 3 hectares in Ahuisculco Ejido with Selva Negra.
  • Partner with 3 agave brands to establish 1-hectare pilot projects, including one in Oaxaca with a mezcal producer.

 

2027
Year 4
  • Maintain and support the 4 hectares of AAS in Zapotitlan and Selva Negra’s project.
  • Provide ongoing support to the 3 independent brands with AAS.
  • Establish a new ARP Reserve near Guadalajara and implement 2 hectares of AAS

 

2028
Year 5
  • Maintain the 4 hectares of AAS in Zapotitlan and the new ARP Reserve AAS system.
  • Support Selva Negra’s 4-hectare project and the 3 independent brands with AAS.
  • Extend the AAS system to the existing 3 independent brands and add 3 more brands.

 

2029 to 2031
Year 6 to 8
  • During this period we will look to consolidate the research of the established AAS trial locations, with the aim of publishing the findings by the end of year 8, by which time we would have harvested from a number of the trial locations.

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