Be part of history and the future! Join us at Mission Garden to plant agave in the traditional Hohokam style, inspired by ancient plantings on Tumamoc Hill. These agave plants will provide food for bat pollinators and may even become part of a future festival’s roasting pit.

No experience is needed, and families are encouraged to join! We’ll provide all tools and gloves—just bring your enthusiasm, long pants, and a hat for sun protection.

The Howard Scott Gentry Award was established in 2017 by Dr. Gary Nabhan and the Agave Heritage Festival to recognize leaders in binational collaborative research on agave conservation and use.

In 2025, we recognize Diana Pinzón and Faby Torres Monfils for their leadership and uncompromising commitment to core values of the cultural and ecological connections and foundations that support mezcal production. 

Previous Gentry Awardees

2017: Ana Guadalupe Valenzuela Zapata

2018: Patricia Coluinga and Daniel Zizumbo Villareal

2019: Tony Burgess

2022: Luis Egiarte and Valeria Souza

2023: Carlos Camarena

Gary Nabhan (Honorary Gentry Award)

2024: César Iván Ojeda Linares

2025: Diana Carolina Pinzón and Fabiola “Faby” Torres Monfils

A Future Inspired By Agave
9am-6pm | Free | 21+

*Registration with approved invitation only

The 2025 Summit will be a day of action focused on bringing the vision of the City of Century plants to reality.
Tucson and Southern Arizona can be the Region of Century Plants: uniting communities across borders to foster agave sustainability, cultural heritage, and economic resilience for future generations.

Morning Sessions

• Climate Smart Heritage Foods

• Market Expansion of Bacanora into the US

• Arts and Storytelling

Afternoon Sessions

• Business, Branding, Sense of Place with Agave as the Anchor

• Bat Friendly & Beyond, creating a label for agave sustainability in the borderlands

• Open for topic established day of

Lecture: 10:00 - 11:30 AM | All Ages

Open Garden Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | All Ages

The Next Generation of Sonoran Desert Researchers (N-Gen) and the Agave Heritage Festival Lifetime Career Award honors those whose work is a cornerstone in understanding agave’s cultural and ecological significance, shaping the agave world we love today.

This year, we recognize Paul and Suzy Fish's pioneering research on ancient agave cultivation and its role in the Sonoran Desert’s rich history. Through decades of archaeological and ecological work, they have uncovered how traditional farming practices shaped the landscape and its thriving communities. In their talk, Paul and Suzy will reveal hidden landscapes and share how ancient farmers used to grow agave in the Tucson basin.

Before or after the lecture, take time to explore and support Mission Garden, Tucson’s living agricultural museum. Wander through vibrant heritage crop plots, including agave plantings that echo the traditions Paul and Suzy have studied. The garden will be open during event hours, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape that has sustained desert communities for centuries.

Drop-in Panels and Mezcal Tastings: 11:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Panels - All Ages, Tasting - 21+| FREE

Explore the cultural, agricultural, and market potential of agave in this interactive, drop-in series. Featuring expert-led panels, mezcal tastings from our amazing partners like Raices Imports, and sponsor showcases, this session highlights sustainable agriculture, cross-border collaboration, and creative innovations shaping the future of agave.

Panel topics will include:

• Agave’s Cultural and Historical Legacy in Food and Fiber

• Art and Storytelling in Agave Culture

• Cross-Border Sustainable Agriculture and Agave Cultivation

• Collaboration to Expand US-Mexico Agave Markets

• and more!

Additional program and presenter details to come!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, taste regional agave spirits, and explore agave’s role in sustainability and cultural resilience!

This year’s Drawing Room Discussions are presented in partnership with Mezcalistas

Guided Tour: 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Plant Sale: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Explore the innovative conservation efforts of Borderlands Restoration Network and Bat Conservation International against the stunning backdrop of Patagonia, Arizona. This event features a guided tour of restoration sites, nectar-feeding bat conservation projects, and a native plant sale to support regional agave conservation efforts, showcasing species that enhance regional sustainability, support wildlife, and foster biodiversity.

Support the vital efforts of these organizations by visiting the donation pages for Borderlands Restoration Network and Bat Conservation International. Your contribution helps advance their impactful work in conservation and biodiversity.