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.
Why do cartels want avocados?
“The cartels are certainly interested in avocados because of the revenues they produce.”
Why do Mexicans stop eating avocados?
It was only in 1997 that the U.S. lifted a ban on Mexican avocados that had been in place since 1914 to prevent a range of weevils, scabs and pests from entering U.S. orchards. The inspectors work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services.
Why do people boycott avocados?
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.
Are avocados causing deforestation?
By some estimates, as many as 20,000 acres of forest — the area of more than 15,000 American football fields — are cut down each year and replaced with avocado plantations. The rapid expansion of orchards will threaten forests in Mexico for years to come, according to a study published this week.
Are avocados owned by cartels?
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. Emily Green reports for VICE News from Mexico and joins us from Mexico City.
Is the avocado industry run by cartels?
Soon, the high profit margins of the avocado trade attracted the interest of Mexican crime cartels. Those operating in Michoacán began to infiltrate the avocado business more than two decades ago. As various cartels have vied for control of the avocado industry, violence and extortion have escalated in the region.
What was the avocado threat?
Threats to an American agricultural inspector in the Mexican state of Michoacán caused the US to suspend imports of avocados from its neighbor, officials said, disrupting a $2.4bn industry during one of its busiest times of the year.
Why should you not store avocados in water?
“The main concern is the possibility that any residual human pathogens (such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella) that may be residing on the avocado’s surface may potentially multiply during the storage when submerged in water,” notes Jannell Goodwin, a spokesperson for the FDA.
Is it safe to eat avocados from Mexico?
Phil Henry, president of the avocado company, told NBC San Diego that avocados imported from Mexico are safe to eat and are not being recalled. The types of Henry avocados can be easily identified by the small stickers on their skins (Pictured Above).
Why is avocado controversial?
Avocados are becoming one of Mexico’s chief agricultural exports, but the industry is being blamed for a host of societal and ecological ills, primarily because armed and violent drug cartels have staked a claim in it. The industry in Mexico is tied to rampant deforestation in Michoacán.
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.
Are avocados illegal?
U.S. lifts ban on avocados from Mexico : NPR. U.S. lifts ban on avocados from Mexico The U.S. had halted inspections of avocados from Mexico on Saturday, after a USDA inspector received a verbal threat.
Why is avocado not environmentally friendly?
Avocados have a particularly high carbon footprint: two avocados were found to release 846.36g of CO2 emissions in 2017. The food is produced in tropical climates, but eaten in a multitude of countries around the world. To satisfy our stomachs, food mileage rises.
What is the problem with avocados in 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.
Why are avocados not sustainable?
The farmers are known to cut down trees and shrubs to give their young avocado trees greater access to sunlight, thus contributing to increased deforestation. Avocado-influenced deforestation has a negative impact on the environment, with deforestation known to cause climate change and global warming.
What do cartels do with their money?
Cartels use a portion of their vast profits to pay off judges, officers, and politicians.
What percent of U.S. avocados come from Mexico?
(92%)
In 2021, the United States imported $3.0 billion avocados globally, with $2.8 billion coming from Mexico (92%). In terms of volume, the United States imported 1.2 million metric tons of avocados, with 1.1 million coming from Mexico (89%).
Why is there an avocado shortage 2022?
Mexico, the main source of U.S. avocado imports, buys nearly 30% of its fertilizer from Russia, and because of the war in Ukraine the supply has tightened and made it more costly. Weather has also hurt avocado production, with a recent violent storm causing substantial crop losses in the Mexican state of Michoacán.
Who controls the avocado industry in Mexico?
Mexican state of Michoacán
Today, Mexico – specifically, the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is the only state certified to sell the fruit to the U.S. – supplies about 80% of the 60 million pounds of avocados eaten north of the border each week.
Did the U.S. ban avocados from Mexico?
United States lifts Mexican avocado ban — averting what could have been a costly crisis. For foodies, workers, restaurant owners and investors on both sides of the Rio Grande border, Friday brought a sigh of relief after the United States lifted its temporary ban on imports of Mexican avocados.