U.S. Calls for Strict Control in Certification of Mexican Avocados

This Friday, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico announced that it is awaiting a "strict implementation" of the new avocado certification program aimed at ensuring that avocados exported to its territory do not come from illegal orchards or deforested areas. The Organic Consumers Association of the United States, an NGO, filed several lawsuits in August against U.S. companies accused of sourcing avocados from Mexico that are not from responsible or environmentally sustainable sources.

Moving forward, we are working to ensure that avocados shipped to the United States do not originate from illegal orchards, in order to curb deforestation 👉 https://t.co/bg90bzSzaj pic.twitter.com/yXxpBtxBpa

— Ambassador Ken Salazar (@USAmbMex) September 20, 2024

Ambassador Ken Salazar stated, "We expect to see a rigorous implementation of this program," referring to a plan recently supported by the government of Michoacán, the Mexican region that leads the country's avocado production and export. Exports of Mexican avocados to the U.S., which account for nearly 80% of total foreign sales, have increased by 48% since 2019, reaching over $3 billion last year. In addition to concerns about the environmental impact of growing avocado production, insecurity and allegations of extortion by organized crime in Michoacán have affected this sector, which is vital for the second-largest economy in Latin America. In June, shipments of avocado and mango from Michoacán to the U.S. were temporarily suspended following an incident where two U.S. government inspectors were held on a highway.

This focus on regulation and sustainability is crucial, not only from an environmental perspective but also an economic one. As the demand for avocados continues to grow, it is essential for Mexico to implement measures that ensure responsible production. This will not only help protect forested areas but also improve the country’s reputation in the international market, thus further boosting its exports and contributing to the growth of the Mexican economy in a context where competition and environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.