Emilio Enriquez
Carlota Forcelledo
Monserrat Campuzano
Rodrigo Salazar
Esteban Peniche
Universidad Anáhuac Puebla
Miguel Hernández Lechuga
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“We as a company believe everyone has to do their part to make the world better, even if it’s as simple as following regulations or changing a few light bulbs. That way, we can make sure we’re contributing our little bit towards building a better world. And that’s something really important to keep in mind.”
Productos Agrícolas de Libres is a family-owned business that has been operating for ten years. As the company grew, it began implementing a series of sustainable innovations in response to government regulations and environmental needs. The innovations were led by the company’s owner, who actively seeks new technologies to minimize environmental harm. He is supported by a medical team that verifies the safety of agrochemicals and fertilizers used on the farm.
Five years ago, the business installed solar panels to power its office facilities with clean energy and replaced all traditional bulbs with energy-saving lighting. They also implemented crop rotation to preserve soil nutrients, avoiding overuse of chemical treatments. The use of beehives for natural pollination reduces the need for synthetic inputs while promoting biodiversity. Additionally, the company invested in modern machinery that applies fertilizers with high precision, minimizing waste and gas emissions.
These efforts are driven by a genuine commitment to environmental health and business sustainability. The team believes that without taking care of the land, agriculture would not be viable in the long term. Their actions contribute directly to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). This innovation demonstrates how even small, local businesses can lead by example in building a better and more sustainable world.
The inspiration behind the innovation at Productos Agrícolas de Libres comes from a genuine concern for environmental sustainability and the need to adapt to changing regulations. As explained in the interview, “Honestly, we really care about keeping the environment healthy.” This belief has guided the company’s actions, especially in choosing energy-efficient solutions and sustainable agricultural practices.
The business understands that environmental responsibility is not only a moral duty but also essential for its long-term survival: “If we don’t take care of the land, we couldn't keep planting.” This powerful statement reflects the core philosophy that drives the decisions made by the company's leadership. Protecting natural resources like soil and water is seen as the foundation of successful farming.
Government policies also played a key role in motivating change. “These innovations are necessary for the company to continue working,” the administrator noted, refering to the influence of institutions like SEMARNAT and COFEPRIS (Environment and Health Ministries). Compliance with these agencies not only ensures safety but also fosters innovation that aligns with national environmental goals.
Economic factors were also influential. “Electricity helps us save money and also reduces the environmental impact.” This dual benefit of reducing costs while doing good for the planet reflects the practical and visionary mindset of the business leaders.
Ultimately, the inspiration stems from a deep-rooted mission to “hit the best quality we can in our barley production” while doing it in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and future-focused.
The innovation implemented by Productos Agrícolas de Libres has generated meaningful and measurable impacts across the business, society, and environment. The use of solar panels and energy-saving lighting reduced operational costs and improved energy efficiency, which in turn decreased the environmental footprint of the company. In the words of the interviewee: “It really optimizes how we use energy in the offices. This not only lowered the costs linked to energy use but also made the company's environmental footprint smaller.”
Their agricultural practices—like crop rotation and the use of beehives for pollination—have strengthened biodiversity and improved soil fertility. The business has also supported local employment by hiring people from nearby rural communities, reducing the need to migrate to cities. “We create jobs for the local rural communities without them needing to travel all the way to the city,” they emphasized.
In the short term, the innovation led to immediate trust and a responsible brand image. “A short-term effect would be the immediate image and trust we build by adopting clean technologies and following health regulations,” the administrator shared. Long-term, these practices position the company as a sustainable and reliable business that meets health and environmental standards consistently. The impact is supported by concrete evidence: “They've got several recognitions from government agencies showing they meet all the requirements for being a sustainable company.” These certifications are renewed annually after inspections, confirming that the innovation has been effective and continues to deliver results.
Because the business adopted sustainable technologies—such as solar panels, energy-saving lighting, and precision agricultural equipment—it achieved significant reductions in operational costs. “It really optimizes how we use energy in the offices. This not only lowered the costs linked to energy use but also made the company's environmental footprint smaller,” said the interviewee. These innovations allowed the company to reinvest savings into continuous improvement, which helped ensure long-term viability.
By rotating crops and using government-regulated agrochemicals, the company maintained soil fertility and complied with strict COFEPRIS regulations. This allowed them to continue production without interruption and avoid penalties or shutdowns. The company also built a reputation as a responsible, environmentally conscious business. “This change can influence how customers and the local community see us, creating immediate trust,” they shared.
As a result of these sustainable practices, the company received several recognitions from government agencies for being a compliant and environmentally responsible business. These recognitions are renewed annually, demonstrating the company’s consistent performance and reliability. Such trust from institutions and clients strengthens the brand and opens doors for future opportunities, partnerships, and growth.
Because the business invested in clean energy, responsible farming, and innovation, it has grown in stability, reduced costs, increased its resilience, and gained recognition—laying the groundwork for future expansion and long-term success.
This innovation has had a strong and positive impact on both society and the environment. By implementing crop rotation and using beehives for natural pollination, Productos Agrícolas de Libres promotes biodiversity and ensures the long-term fertility of the soil. “These practices lead to more sustainable and resilient farming, which affects the stability of the food supply for the community,” the interviewee explained. These changes make agricultural production more reliable and reduce dependency on chemical-intensive methods.
The company also contributes to local employment by hiring workers from nearby rural communities. “We always try to hire people from around here who work in agriculture, so we create jobs for the local rural communities without them needing to travel all the way to the city.” This strengthens the local economy, helps reduce urban migration, and supports community wellbeing.
From an environmental perspective, the impact is equally significant. The use of solar panels and energy-efficient lighting has helped reduce pollution and the company’s carbon footprint. “Using clean energy with solar panels and low-energy lighting helps lower pollution levels. This not only makes the air and land better around the farm but also has a positive effect on people's health by promoting a cleaner, less polluted environment.”
In summary, the innovations implemented by this business have created a virtuous cycle—supporting environmental health, improving community livelihoods, and setting an example for sustainable agriculture.
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helga bledl san román, Administrative Manager
We are a family business that has been working for 10 years. Our main crop is barley, and we focus on achieving the highest quality by selecting the best varieties, managing water correctly, and using effective and sustainable pest control. We also follow government regulations strictly to ensure we protect the environment and produce responsibly.