As the country grows and develops there is a continuing pressure for growers in Mexico to keep up or get out if they can't compete in the international market, to produce more food for the ever-increasing demand. To keep up, most Mexican farmers have abandoned centuries-old natural methods of fertilization and pest control, instead turning to modern wonder products - the chemical solutions.

The damage to the ecosystem is affecting everyone's health. There is a new found awareness of the need to re-learn responsible land management and sustainable farming.

In 1997, two women from Canada realized the challenges faced by local Mexican farmers, and formed a small agricultural training project to help teach organic farming, modern crop rotation and water conservation methods. In six years this small educational program has grown into ACÁ A.C. , a large full-time crop operational organic farming educational facility, unique in its area of Mexico. The facility is located south of Guadalajara along the shores of Mexico's largest lake - Lake Chapala.

ACÁ A.C. stands for Asociacion Comunitaria de Autosuficiencia A.C., ( community association for self sufficiency ). As a non-profit agricultural education association, ACÁ is successfully improving the quality of life of Mexican women and children through hands-on safe practical training for organic growing methods, soil enrichment and water conservation practices. We have gone from a tiny garden in the town of Jocotepec to a fully functioning five acre organic co-operative farm and ecological educational facility. ACÁ students are no longer only young children but also local and international students, eco minded adults and local farmers and visitors who come to the facility from throughout Mexico and around the world. The value of ACÁ programs has become recognized world wide, and the thirst for a unique hands on training experience is growing.