Introducing ACÁ- Sustainable Farming in Mexico
ACÁ, Asociación Comunitaria de Autosuficiencia, was founded by two Canadian women in the Lake Chapala region of Jalisco. This area, known for its expat community, is close to Guadalajara.
ACA was created 10 years ago as a response to the poverty found in rural ares throughout Mexico. In this particular region, the Huichol indigenous community suffered for lack of land and irrigation. Marie Pruden and Wendee Hill created a training program so that locals can learn about organic farming and how to make it work for them.
ACA has also established “edible schoolyards” in three local schools as well as educational programs on nutrition and sustainability. ACA has introduced sustainable pest control and vermiculture models into the community as well. Local expats support the ACA Country Store, which sells the community’s organic produce.
Several of ACA’s fulltime employees worked on commercial farms nearby. The constant exposure to harsh chemicals and hard work at a low wage led them to begin their training at ACA. One of these former students is Carlos de la Garza, now Outreach Coordinator. He explains ACA’s impact like this:
Organic production is an option so the farmers can produce food for themselves, and sell the rest, without having to ask for credit to buy seeds, fertilizers, etc. This way, their health improves without using chemical fertilizers. Like a farmer friend of mine says: ‘[This organic option] is starting to create the farmers’ economy.
So many Americans and Canadians retire in the Lake Chapala region or simply decide to make it their home, seasonally or long-term. This is an opportunity to give back to your host community. Check out ACA’s website here.
Marie Pruden, Courtesy of The New Farm