Sósima Olivera at Marfa Agave Festival

A Call for Sustainability in Mezcal Production

At the 2024 Marfa Agave Festival, Maestra Mezcalera Sósima Olivera delivered a powerful message about sustainability, tradition, and the deep cultural roots of mezcal production. Speaking to a passionate audience, Sósima shared the urgent need to protect agave biodiversity and the communities that have safeguarded this ancient spirit for generations.

As the global demand for mezcal grows, traditional practices are at risk of being replaced by industrial shortcuts that prioritize volume over quality and ecological balance. Sósima, who leads the Tres Colibrí cooperative in the Chontal region of Oaxaca, emphasized that true mezcal is inseparable from its environment, culture, and people.

In her talk, she discussed:

• The long growth cycle of agave, which often takes 7–20 years to mature, and why sustainable harvesting is critical.

• The importance of traditional production methods, like clay pot distillation, which not only preserve flavor but minimize environmental impact.

• The threats posed by monoculture farming and the loss of genetic diversity in agave species.

• The role of mezcaleros/as as stewards of the land, advocating for fair trade, environmental regeneration, and cultural respect.

At Premium Agave Imports, we’re honored to partner with Maestra Sósima and support her mission. Every bottle of FaneKantsini mezcal is a tribute to these values, made with integrity, patience, and a deep connection to the land.

As mezcal’s popularity continues to rise, voices like Sósima’s remind us that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a responsibility.

To learn more about Sósima’s work, you can listen to her talk here: Marfa Public Radio Interview.

Discover FaneKantsini mezcal and join us in supporting sustainable agave culture.