Avocado Craze: How Mexico’s Michoacan Fuels America’s Love Affair with the Green Fruit
The avocados we enjoy on toast, in salads, and in guacamole have a long journey before reaching our plates, and it often begins in a single Mexican state: Michoacan. America’s insatiable appetite for the fruit has led to a reliance on Mexican imports, making Michoacán the center of a multi-billion dollar agricultural industry. But this reliance has also left the U.S. vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain, as recent events have shown, raising questions about the future of the avocado trade and the potential impact on our favorite green fruit.
Key Takeaways:
- A Single State: Almost all of the avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico, with Michoacan being the primary source.
- Growing Demand: Avocado consumption in the U.S. has tripled since the early 2000s, leading to record import levels and Michoacán’s rise as a global leader in avocado production.
- Supply Chain Vulnerability: The reliance on Michoacán leaves the U.S. vulnerable to disruptions caused by security issues, natural disasters, and cartel influence.
- Environmental Concerns: The expansion of avocado orchards in Mexico, particularly in Michoacán, has raised concerns about deforestation, water depletion, and the environmental sustainability of the industry.
A Reliance on Michoacan:
The average American eats more than eight pounds of avocados per year, fueled by a growing appreciation for the fruit’s versatility and health benefits. This demand has made the U.S. heavily reliant on Mexico, which has become the world’s top avocado producer, primarily due to the increased demand from U.S. consumers. Michoacán, renowned for its ideal climate and fertile soil, produces the majority of Mexico’s avocados, making it the central hub of the avocado trade between the two nations. While California also produces avocados, climate change-related challenges such as droughts and wildfires have put a strain on the state’s farms, further solidifying the U.S.’s dependence on Mexican imports.
A Lucrative Industry Facing Challenges:
Avocado exports from Mexico generate over $3 billion annually, with the U.S. accounting for about 80% of its sales. The industry has seen a substantial increase in avocado production, becoming Mexico’s fourth most valuable agricultural export, surpassing even tequila and berries. However, this flourishing industry is facing several challenges, particularly in Michoacán, a region grappling with violence and crime.
Security Concerns and Supply Chain Disruptions:
Cartels in Michoacán, one of Mexico’s most violent states, have sought to exploit the lucrative avocado trade, leading to threats, abductions, and even killings of those involved in the industry. This violence has spilled over into the U.S., leading to a temporary suspension in avocado imports in 2022 after a U.S. plant safety inspector received threats in Michoacán.
The recent episode involving U.S.D.A. inspectors being assaulted and detained in Michoacán showcases the vulnerability of the avocado supply chain. While inspections eventually resumed, the incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and the risk of disruptions to the U.S. avocado supply.
Environmental Concerns Cast a Shadow:
The increasing demand for avocados and the expansion of avocado orchards in Michoacán have raised environmental concerns. Deforestation to clear land for avocado farms is accelerating in western Mexico, with alarming consequences for the region’s ecosystems. The extensive water needs of avocado production are also straining aquifers, raising concerns about water scarcity and impacting surrounding communities.
Looking Towards the Future:
While the U.S.’s reliance on Michoacán for avocados remains strong, efforts to diversify the supply chain are underway. In 2021, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to allow avocado imports from Jalisco, adding another source of the fruit. However, experts argue that the heavy dependence on Michoacan means that any unrest or disruptions in the region will continue to impact the reliability of avocado supplies to the U.S.
"Just doing business in Mexico, you have to account for that", notes Luis Ribera, a professor of international trade at Texas A&M University, highlighting the need to navigate the complex realities of the region.
The avocado trade between the U.S. and Mexico is a complex and dynamic relationship, shaped by intertwined economic, political, and environmental factors. As the demand for avocados continues to grow, navigating these challenges will be crucial to ensure a steady supply of avocados. Balancing the desire for this popular fruit with the need for responsible sourcing, security, and environmental sustainability will be a key challenge moving forward.
