Morelos Secures Mezcal Denomination of Origin

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), recognized the efforts of mezcal producers and the government of Morelos in securing the Denomination of Origin (DO) for Mezcal de Morelos, a move expected to strengthen the production chain and support the region’s economic and cultural development.

During the official presentation of the DO protection declaration, Julio Berdegué, Minister, SADER, highlighted the years of work invested by producers and acknowledged the historical significance of the achievement. He noted research by UNAM indicating that agave was cultivated and processed into liquor in Morelos as far back as 25 centuries ago.

Berdegué said the designation opens new opportunities for mezcal producers, including access to technology, plant health programs, financing, training, and product certification for domestic and international markets. He also reaffirmed the federal government’s support for strengthening the mezcal production chain.

Margarita González, Morelos Governor, credited the federal government and local producers for their long-standing efforts. She announced a state investment of MX$20 million (US$1.07 million) to support certification, promotion, and commercialization initiatives for mezcal. The governor also promoted the upcoming Mezcal and Cheese Fair, set for Aug. 29-31.

Margarita Galeana, Head, Morelos Ministry of Agricultural Development (SEDAGRO), acknowledged the role of women in agave cultivation and distillation. She said the state will implement a project to reinforce the identity of Morelos mezcal, including a plant health and certification campaign through the State Plant Health Committee.

Galeana also announced that the National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP), the Center for Bioresources Development at the National Polytechnic Institute, and the Center for Biological Research will collaborate on a technology package to identify high-quality agave plants and optimize their potential in different regions of Morelos.

Víctor Sánchez, Morelos’ Secretary of Economic Development and Labor, said the state will allocate funds to support agave cultivation, production, and commercialization of mezcal. He noted that two export letters of intent are already in place.

With the addition of Morelos, the states with Mezcal Denomination of Origin are Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, and State of Mexico.

In 2024, Mexico cultivated 242,627ha of agave nationwide, harvesting 32,777ha for a total production of 2.43Mt valued at MX$43.17 billion. In Morelos, 368ha of agave were cultivated across 16 municipalities, with 96ha harvested. The state produced 8,934t of agave, valued at MX$86.18 million.