Ana Merlo, a 2021 Lincoln P. Brower Award recipient, is turning her research into action to make a meaningful impact in communities around the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
During her doctoral research, with Monarch Butterfly Fund support, Ana investigated which pesticides are applied at avocado plantations surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Her work revealed not only the types and intensity of agrochemical use, but also their concentrations in water and their implications for human health and ecosystems.
Building on this foundation, Ana has started a new project, titled “Implementation of Pesticide Risk Mitigation Strategies," also supported by MBF. Ana designed a comprehensive and interactive workshop for farmers and community members interested in improving their knowledge of pesticide risks and safer agricultural practices.
The workshop focuses on:
- How to correctly read and interpret pesticide labels
- Direct human health impacts (acute and chronic exposure)
- Surface mobility of pesticides and pathways to water systems
Peer-to-peer exchange of agricultural management practices
In December 2025, 118 members of the community of Carpinteros in Zitácuaro (the main avocado-producing area in eastern Michoacán) attended an initial discussion about pesticides, and 39 interested people participated in a workshop afterwards. Understanding acute and chronic diseases linked to pesticide exposure and learning how to properly interpret pesticide labels were among the most valuable pieces of information conveyed.
Ana and her team will continue implementing these workshops in additional Ejidos and communities throughout the region.
Photo credits: Frida Rivera and Pablo Argueta
