US temporary ban on Mexican avocados smashed with exports resuming today

21 Feb 2022 --- Fresh Avocado Imports from Mexico are resuming after a temporary ban was imposed following a threat against a US agricultural inspector, with officials stressing that safety is of “paramount importance.”

The US Department of Agriculture Animal (USDA) and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have said that avocado inspections in Michoacán, Mexico have now restarted and that additional safety measures have been enhanced for “inspectors working in the field.”

Security plan following menacing message
This follows an incident earlier this month when an aggressive and alarming phone message was made to an American inspector. 

Michoacán is the only Mexican state allowed to export avocados to the US. Mexican growers and packers claim they are frequently targeted with violence and threats.Mexican growers and packers claim they are frequently targeted with violence and threats. A US Department of Agriculture statement reads: “The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance. USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the US and Mexico that made resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner.” 

The Director-General of the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers Exporters of Mexico (APEAM), Armando López Orduña, highlighted the collaboration and commitment between the parties involved to review and strengthen the processes, enhancing security protocols to safeguard the physical safety of the officers and USDA facilities, as well as the entire value chain.

Avocado trade
In 2021, the US imported US$3 billion avocados globally, with US$2.8 billion coming from Mexico (92%), according to USDA data.

In terms of volume, the US imported 1.2 million metric tons of avocados, with 1.1 million coming from Mexico (89%). 

For the last full calendar year (2020) of available data, Mexico reported exports of avocados of US$3.2 billion, of which 79% went to the US. In 2020 and 2021, approximately 80% of the avocados exported from Michoacán went to US markets.  In 2021, the US imported US$3 billion avocados globally, with US$2.8 billion coming from Mexico (92%), according to USDA data.

The peak growing season in Mexico for avocado is January through March, while the US production season for avocado fruit runs from April to September.

APEAM represents more than 30,000 producers, most of them small farmers and 74 packers. It is the only cooperating partner of the US and USDA-APHIS to export avocados from Mexico. 

The Mexican avocado industry generates more than 380,000 jobs in Mexico and more than 30,000 in the US.

APEAM reaffirmed that it not only complies with all US and Mexico regulations but the organization is committed to aligning with established trade agreements and participating with the authorities of both countries following the practices, commitment and internal processes included in the work plan of the export program. 

“The industry has and will continue to meet the highest standards of quality and traceability,” it says. 

By Gaynor Selby