FAO Recognizes Tlaxcala’s Metepantle as Agricultural Heritage

FAO has designated the ancestral Metepantle agricultural system in the mountainous areas of Tlaxcala as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) announced.

With this recognition, Mexico now has three agricultural systems acknowledged by FAO as world heritage: the Chinampa in Xochimilco, the Maya Milpa in Yucatan and the Metepantle in Tlaxcala. FAO has designated 102 GIAHS across 29 countries to date.

According to FAO, GIAHS are dynamic systems managed sustainably by farmers, fishers and forest communities. They are characterized by resilience, biodiversity, traditional knowledge, culture, and landscapes that contribute to livelihoods and food security.

In a letter to Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, Qu Dongyu, Director General, FAO, said the designation followed Mexico’s proposal, an evaluation process, a site visit, and approval by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group during its 24th meeting on May 19–20, 2025.

Dongyu congratulated Mexico and expressed confidence that the recognition would support the implementation of the government’s Action Plan led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, while also promoting sustainable development and conservation of traditional farming communities.

SADER said the designation strengthens Mexico’s regional leadership by highlighting biocultural wealth and sustainable food production models. It added that the recognition reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting agricultural heritage and advancing food self-sufficiency and sovereignty.