INTERNATIONAL ITINERANT UNIVERSITY OF THE NOPAL

IT’S TIME FOR NOPAL AND PRICKLY PEAR!

We are proud to host the 5th International Itinerant University of the Nopal, turning Puebla into the heart of the global dialogue on this age‑old plant. The Honorable Congress of the State and San Sebastián Villanueva (Acatzingo) will be venues where researchers, producers, and youth share advances in cultivation and innovative technologies.

This unique gathering will bring together specialists from 10 countries and multiple Mexican states, driving a movement that re‑values the nopal and the prickly pear (tuna) as nutritional and environmental pillars. Together we will exchange knowledge to strengthen the countryside, inspire new generations, and unlock the nutraceutical potential of these vital species.

NOPAL AND PRICKLY PEAR

Rural Engine

More than 50,000 families find their livelihood in the cultivation of nopal and prickly pear, especially in desert and semi‑arid regions where water is scarce. This activity not only generates employment—around 3.8 million workdays per year—but also turns environmental limitations into resilient economic opportunities, transforming aridity into a landscape of hope.

A Giant of Agri‑Food

The Productive Heart

Although prickly pear ranks 12th by volume among Mexican fruits, its economic value is formidable: total nopal and prickly pear production exceeds 3,424 million pesos (≈ MXN 3.424 billion). This sector—with 2,000 dedicated producers and 5,500 hectares under cultivation (4,500 for fruit, 1,000 for vegetable nopal)—is a fundamental and often underestimated pillar of our agro‑industry.

Municipalities such as Acatzingo, Felipe Ángeles, Quecholac, and Soltepec stand out in nopal–prickly pear production, while San Andrés Cholula, Atlixco, Santa Isabel Cholula, and Huaquechula lead in vegetable nopal, with a value of 196 million pesos. This local network is testimony to the agricultural ingenuity flourishing in challenging lands, sustaining entire communities with deep roots and dedication.

Our mission is to promote synergy among universities, producers, and processors of nopal to transfer technical knowledge and good agricultural practices, raise awareness of the product’s nutraceutical virtues, and foster environmental interest among young people.

Welcome

“V Universidad Itinerante Internacional de Nopal-Tuna”

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Venue

Host hotel in the City of Puebla

17:00 a 20:00 horas

Reception of delegates from more than 10 countries in the State of Puebla

Solemn Commemoration, Symposium, and Product Exhibition for the National–International Day of the Nopal

“5th International Itinerant University of Nopal–Prickly Pear”

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Press conference

Honorable Congress of the State of Puebla

9:30

Inauguration and proclamation of the National–International Day of the Nopal by the authorities of the State of Puebla and the Committee of the “5th International Itinerant University of Nopal–Prickly Pear.”

Venue

International Conferences — Nopal and Prickly Pear

Dr. Judith Ochoa | Argentina

Professor-Researcher, National University of Santiago del Estero, Argentina

1. Perspectives on prickly pear cultivation in Argentina: Emerging utilization niches.

Dr. Jorge Welti | Mexico

Professor-Researcher, Tecnológico de Monterrey

2. Science and technology applied to developing new opportunities for prickly pear commercialization.

M.A. Mirna Toxqui Oliver | Mexico

Professor-Researcher, Universidad Tecnológica de Huejotzingo

3. "Tuna Rojo Vigor" from San Sebastián Villanueva, Acatzingo Municipality, Puebla: Toward a Geographical Indication

Eng. Nelson Ventura | Portugal

Member, Cofraria do Figo da Índia, Portugal

4. Promotion of "Figo da Índia" in Portugal.

Dr. Joel Corrales | Mexico

Professor-Researcher, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo

6. Advances in microbiological and quality stabilization of cactus fruit juices.

Eng. Tomé Panazeitel | Portugal

Member, Cofraria do Figo da Índia, Portugal

7. Evolution of "Figueira da Índia" production in Portugal.

Dr. Juan Antonio Cruz | Mexico

Professor-Researcher, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo

5. Dissemination of prickly pear use in southern Puebla.

Technical Poster Session

8. Poster presentations by all attendees.

Dr. Rosamarina Marín Loayza | Peru

Professor and Researcher, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Peru

9. Prickly pear pests along the Peruvian coast.

Eng. Fidel Mejía Lara | Mexico

Secretariat of Agriculture, Government of the State of Mexico

10. Organic control methods for cochineal scale on prickly pear.

Expo “saborea a méxico”

Exhibition of Products from the State of Puebla and National Nopal–Prickly Pear Products

REGISTRATION

OPENING CEREMONY BY AUTHORITIES AND THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Eng. Mayeli García | Mexico

Member, Grupo Nopalyecac

11. Experience and challenges as a producer of fine cochineal.

Food

Eng. Arlette Michel García | Mexico

Member, Grupo Nopalyecac

12. Characterization of wax from Dactylopius coccus Costa.

M.A. Tewelde Gebremariam Adhanom | Ethiopia

Co-founder and Elected Director, Beles Tech

13. Potential of cactus pear (Beles) for economic development and job creation in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Eng. Nasser Saber | Egypt

Director, International Garden Organization, Egypt

14. Cactus is the world’s future.

All attendees

15. Discussion Panel.

9:00

10:00 a 18:00

10:00

10:45

11:00

11:15

11:30

11:45

12:00

12:15

12:45

13:00

13:15

13:30

14:00

14:15

15:15

16:00

13:45

Presentation of certificates and thanks.

Closing of the symposium.

16:45

Deputies – Organizing Committee

10:30

Workshops and Field Visit

“5th International Itinerant University of Nopal–Prickly Pear”

Friday, September 19, 2025

San Sebastián Villanueva, Acatzingo, Puebla

8:00 a 17:00 horas

Venue

Visit to the nopal–prickly pear packing and export center.

SAN SEBASTIÁN VILLANUEVA

Delivery of workshops—from cosmetology‑oriented to technical and more—around nopal and prickly pear, led by scientists, doctors, producers, and activists. Celebration and field lunch.

Nopal and Prickly Pear Workshops

Tour of prickly pear and nopal plantations in the producing area.

San Sebastián Villanueva

Celebration and field lunch.

Sightseeing Tour in Puebla

“5th International Itinerant University of Nopal–Prickly Pear”

Saturday, September 20, 2025

State of Puebla

Venue

Showcasing the identity, culture, and traditions of the state.

Attendees from more than 10 countries and Mexican states.

Relive the best moments of the event! Scan the QR code or click the button to view and download the photos.

CONTACT

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