A new certification program initiated by the state of Michoacan, Mexico, aims to verify that avocado exports to the United States are not sourced from deforested areas or involved in illegal activities, as stated by the US ambassador to Mexico. This program, which was launched in late August, is set to cover an area exceeding 148,000 hectares. "We hope to see a rigorous implementation of this program," Ambassador Ken Salazar remarked during an announcement in Ciudad Juarez.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the US's demand for Mexican avocados, which amounts to approximately $3 billion annually, on deforestation within Mexico. Reports suggest that over the last ten years, avocado production may have led to the deforestation of more than 40,000 acres. Additionally, the involvement of drug cartels in the avocado industry in Michoacan, a region notorious for its security challenges, has further complicated the situation. Earlier in the year, avocado exports from Michoacan faced a temporary suspension following an incident where two American agricultural inspectors were detained during a protest.
Source: BNN Bloomberg