The U.S. suspended avocado imports from Mexico last week over a threat to an American inspector. But there are also concerns that the crop finances drug cartels. The ban hurts the livelihood of farmers in Mexico, but also reveals the often corrupt path avocados travel from field to guacamole.
Why are people boycotting avocado?
In recent years, as awareness has increased about what’s behind the avocado trade, some restauranteurs and activists have called for a boycott. There are also serious environmental concerns surrounding avocado farming; it’s why the fruit has been called a conflict commodity.
Why did US lift avocado ban?
The U.S. has lifted its ban on avocados imported from Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Friday. The decision comes after the USDA said one of its employees was threatened last week, prompting a halt in imports of the fruit.
Why did US halt avocados from Mexico?
The US moved to temporarily halt all avocado imports last week after an inspector was verbally threatened for refusing to certify a shipment of the fruit, a US Agriculture Department agency said at the time. Drug cartels regularly threaten avocado farmers in Michoacán.
What is the avocado problem?
Growing avocados is so lucrative that farmers cut down older trees and replace them with young avocado trees, draining local water supplies and leading to deforestation. In Michoacán—one of the most important ecosystems in Mexico—farmers have been removing oak and pine trees for avocado orchards at an alarming rate.
Does buying avocados support cartels?
Avocados are wildly important in the U.S., and most are imported from Mexico. This week, the U.S. briefly banned Mexican avocados after a U.S. inspector in the state of Michoacan reported receiving threats. But avocados and limes have long been used by drug cartels to help finance their violent business plans.
What is the problem with avocados from Mexico?
In Mexico, the high profit margins of the avocado trade attracted the interest of crime cartels, and those operating in Michoacán began to infiltrate the avocado business more than 20 years ago. As various cartels have vied for control of the avocado industry, violence and extortion have escalated in the region.
How long will the avocado ban last?
APEAM statement noted that the “proposal was approved by all parties, and an agreement has been accepted to resume the full export program of Mexican avocados to the United States starting Monday, February 21, 2022.”
Why is there an avocado shortage 2022?
War, climate change, and supply chain disruptions have led to an avocado shortage in the U.S. And in February, the USDA temporarily banned imports of Mexican avocados after one of their plant safety inspectors received voicemail threats.
What percentage of US avocados come from Mexico?
The agency said additional safety measures have been enacted to address a security issue. Last year, 92% of avocados consumed in the U.S. came from Mexico, and an extended suspension could have pressured supply of the popular fruit.
Why are avocados suspended?
The suspension of avocado imports from Mexico came after a US safety inspector received a credible death threat, according to a US official with knowledge of the matter. The inspector had denied permission for a shipment from the Mexican state of Michoacán.
Where does the US get its avocados?
The United States is the second largest producer of avocados after Mexico. About 90% of avocado production in the United States takes place in California by more than 5,000 growers. The average grove size in California is about 13 acres. One avocado tree can produce from 200 to 500 avocados per year.
Is it OK to eat an avocado a day?
In fact, researchers have found that avocados may protect the heart in a similar way as olive oil and nuts do in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. A 2018 analysis of 10 studies found an increase in HDL (protective cholesterol) in people who consumed an average of 1 to 3.7 avocados daily.
Are avocados ethical?
In some countries, avocado consumption has fuelled illegal deforestation, as trees are felled to make way for avocado farms, destroying biodiversity and natural forest habitats. These farms are often sprayed with pesticides that are harmful for both farmworkers and water supplies.
Who controls avocado?
Today, Mexico — specifically, the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is the only state certified by the US Department of Agriculture to sell the fruit to the United States — supplies about 80 percent of the 60 million pounds of avocados eaten north of the border each week.
Is there still a ban on Mexican avocados?
US lifts ban on avocados from Mexico after drug cartel threat.
Does Chipotle get their avocados from Mexico?
While Chipotle has diversified its sourcing in recent years, the chain still relies on shipments from Mexico, the main US supplier of avocados, for the key menu item. The company’s CFO Jack Hartung said Chipotle is “working closely with our suppliers to navigate through this challenge.”
Did US ban avocados from Mexico?
U.S. lifts ban on avocados from Mexico : NPR.
What is Mexico’s real name?
Estados Unidos Mexicanos
The formal name of the country is Estados Unidos Mexicanos, often translated as “United Mexican States” or “United States of Mexico.”
Which country imports the most avocados?
Trends of Top 10 Importers
| Country | Import % | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global | |
| 2 | United States | 38.25% |
| 3 | Netherlands | 12.48% |
Where do most avocados come from?
Mexico is the world’s leading avocado producer.