In central Mexico’s Michoacán state, avocado farming faces scrutiny due to illegal practices that harm the environment. Water reservoirs are constructed without proper permits, leading to water shortages and environmental damage. The demand for avocados in the United States has driven rapid growth in the industry, but it has also attracted organized crime and caused deforestation. Legal action has been taken against avocado importers labeling their products as sustainable or responsibly sourced despite evidence of environmental harm. The avocado trade has divided communities in Mexico, with some resorting to violence to protect their forests and water sources. U.S. supermarkets and food chains selling Mexican avocados have been urged to ensure their supply chains are free of illegal deforestation and exploitation. Mexico is working to address illegal deforestation by establishing an online platform to certify avocados from orchards that do not contribute to environmental damage. Despite these efforts, the true extent of illegal orchards in Michoacán remains unknown, highlighting ongoing challenges in the avocado industry.
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Connecting the dots: U.S. companies driving demand for avocados contributing to Mexico’s deforestation crisis
