Lucio Usobiaga Basque Culinary World Prize 2026 Xochimilco chinampas, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): Mexican entrepreneur Lucio Usobiaga has been recognized with the Basque Culinary World Prize 2026, known as the Nobel of Gastronomy, for his work to preserve the chinampas of Xochimilco, one of the oldest agricultural systems in the country and part of Mexico’s cultural heritage.
The award recognizes Arca Tierra, an agroecological initiative that connects farmers with restaurants and consumers so local producers can sell their harvests and keep this pre-Hispanic tradition alive. The prize was announced during an international gastronomy gathering in Brazil and recognizes how cuisine can also be a tool to protect the environment, preserve traditions and strengthen communities.
The project’s impact extends well beyond food. According to the source, Arca Tierra currently works with about 50 producer families and supplies roughly 60 restaurants and 300 households, creating economic opportunities for those who maintain this farming system.
