Jalisco Beyond Tequila: Traditional Agave Spirits, Between Change and Agrobiodiversity Conservation
摘要
Jalisco, located in Western Mexico, is a hotspot for agave species diversity. Beyond tequila, the state is home to various lesser-known agave spirits (LKAS), which are produced under a wide range of management systems, many of which remain poorly documented. These systems often sustain significant interspecific and intraspecific diversity of Agave spp. and other plant taxa. While some LKAS are adopting tequila’s intensive production methods, others are being abandoned, and only a few maintain or adopt agroecological practices. Documenting LKAS management and understanding socioecological changes are essential for promoting sustainable production and preserving agricultural and biocultural diversity. This chapter focuses on three regions of Jalisco analyzing transformations in LKAS with an emphasis on management intensification, agrobiodiversity conservation, and evolving production systems. Case studies highlight how local practices influenced by reproductive modes affect intraspecific Agave spp. diversity, revealing differences in genetic and morphological variation and domestication processes. The chapter identifies several cross-cutting themes: shifts between management systems, the effects of tequila industry cycles, the importance of wild Agave spp. populations, and the role of small-scale producers in maintaining and generating agrobiodiversity. Additionally, the chapter explores market dynamics, institutional challenges, and sustainable management strategies, underscoring the importance of historical perspectives and adaptive approaches in balancing economic pressures with biodiversity conservation in traditional agave spirit production.