Last Friday, the United States ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, publicly acknowledged the Mexican government for its efforts to prevent avocados destined for export from illegal farms. This action reflects a joint commitment between both countries to maintain the integrity of the trade of one of the most in-demand products in the U.S. market: the Mexican avocado.
That same day, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a statement, stressing that they expect a “rigorous implementation” of the new Mexican avocado certification program. This program seeks to ensure that avocados exported to the United States come only from farms that comply with legal standards and not from areas affected by deforestation or illegally cultivated.
However, the story does not end there. In August, the Organic Consumers Association of the United States, a non-profit organization, filed several lawsuits against American companies. The reason? They said these companies were importing avocados from Mexico that the association said did not meet responsible or sustainable standards, raising concerns about the environmental impact and authenticity of the farming practices behind the production.
This scenario makes it clear that both the Mexican and US governments are under the watchful eye of consumers and organizations demanding transparency and accountability in the supply chain of the coveted “green gold.”
“We are confident in a strict execution of this program,” said Ambassador Ken Salazar in a post shared on his X account, referring to the plan recently approved by the government of Michoacán. This state, located in western Mexico, is a leader in the production and export of avocados in the country.
Mexican avocado exports to the United States, which represent about 80% of the total sent abroad, have increased by 48% since 2019, reaching a value of more than 3 billion dollars last year.
Despite the growth in production, the sector faces criticism for its environmental impact, in addition to problems of insecurity and extortion by organized crime in Michoacán, a key region for the industry.
In June, shipments of avocado and mango from Michoacán to the United States were temporarily suspended following an incident in which two American inspectors were detained on a highway.
