Campo Limpio: Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Farming
Proper management of empty agrochemical containers is a key element for sustainability in the farming sector. In Mexico, the Campo Limpio (Clean Field) Program promotes actions to ensure the correct handling of these wastes, by promoting responsible practices that protect the environment, human health, and field productivity.
The program is coordinated by Amocali A.C., a non-profit civil association created by crop protection product manufacturers. Its purpose is to establish a comprehensive system for the collection, management, and final disposal of empty agrochemical containers used in farming activities.
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The Campo Limpio management system considers several stages to ensure safe handling of containers:
- Triple wash: A practice consisting of rinsing the container three times after using the product, reducing hazardous wastes.
- Collection at storage centers: Farmers deliver containers to primary or temporary collection centers.
- Classification and conditioning: Containers are separated by material type and then compacted or crushed.
- Authorized final destination: Materials are sent for recycling, co-processing, or controlled incineration, as appropriate.
This model seeks to prevent containers from being abandoned in fields, water bodies, or landfill sites; these are practices that can cause soil and water contamination and pose health risks to rural communities.
The success of Campo Limpio depends on the involvement of the entire production chain: farmers, distributors, authorities, companies, and organizations in the sector. Through training and awareness campaigns, the program promotes an environmental culture that fosters proper waste disposal and strengthens responsible farming.
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In a context where sustainability is increasingly relevant for food production, initiatives such as Campo Limpio demonstrate that cooperation between industry, farmers, and authorities can generate effective solutions for environmental care and field development.
Currently, there are 8 Temporary Collection Centers (TCCs) distributed across the state of Sinaloa. The TCC Culiacan, located on the Culiacan–Navolato highway, km 20, serves as the main collection center for our farmers affiliated to the Veggies From Mexico community. It is operated by the Asociación de Agricultores del Río Culiacán (Farmers Association of the Culiacan River) (AARC).
To learn more about this subject, go to https://campolimpio.org.mx
