Mexico and the U.S. Strengthen Avocado Ties

If there were ever a fruit to symbolize Mexico’s global agricultural might, it would be the avocado—rich, creamy, and beloved by foodies everywhere. But beyond its irresistible taste, the avocado is an emblem of successful international trade and collaboration. For more than 27 years, Mexican avocado producers have played by the rules, adhering to stringent agricultural standards in complex trade agreements and sanitary inspections, all while delivering their luscious fruit to the world’s tables.

Recently, a notable shift in the avocado export process between Mexico and the United States occurred, one that highlights a trust hard-earned and a system built on mutual respect and cooperation. The governments of both nations have now agreed to transfer a significant part of the avocado orchard sampling and certification process to Mexican authorities, specifically to the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is a testament to the compliance and success of Mexico’s national producers in adhering to the Export Work Plan for over two decades. During this time, no significant sanitary issues have arisen—a remarkable feat in a world where pests and diseases can cripple entire industries overnight.

Trust in the Avocado Trade

At the heart of this transition lies a newfound trust between two key agencies: the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS-USDA) and Mexico’s National Service for Health, Safety, and Agrifood Quality (Senasica). The handoff isn’t a small procedural adjustment; it’s the agricultural equivalent of passing the torch in an international relay race. By allowing Mexican inspectors to oversee orchard supervision for the export program, APHIS has signaled its faith in Mexico’s agricultural expertise and its ability to maintain rigorous phytosanitary standards.

Of course, APHIS isn’t stepping away entirely. Their role is now more of a high-level supervisory one, monitoring the orchards from afar, via documentation and data provided by their Mexican counterparts. They can still inspect the orchards in person, should any red flags arise. The balance between documentary oversight and on-the-ground inspection reflects a deeper partnership, one that blends autonomy with accountability.

This shift isn’t confined to the orchards. APHIS and Senasica will continue to jointly oversee the packing houses that prepare the avocados for export, ensuring that the fruit is handled and shipped according to the highest standards. This collaborative effort in the packing houses underscores the seamless integration between both nations’ regulatory frameworks. It's an agricultural "pas de deux," with each agency playing its part in a highly coordinated ballet.

Mexico’s Avocado Powerhouse

Behind this partnership is the extraordinary rise of the avocado as a global commodity. Mexico is, without contest, the world’s largest producer of avocados, churning out a staggering 2.5 million tons annually. This number doesn’t just represent agricultural output—it’s the embodiment of Mexico’s ingenuity, labor, and cultural connection to this fruit.

For decades, avocado orchards have been lovingly tended in states like Michoacán, Jalisco, and Nayarit, where the climate is a perfect match for growing this nutritious fruit. Michoacán, in particular, has become synonymous with avocado cultivation. Its fertile volcanic soil, temperate climate, and abundant rainfall create the ideal conditions for producing avocados that are creamy and rich—ideal for the global demand that has surged in recent years.

But this golden fruit isn't just for the locals. More than 1.1 million tons of Mexican avocados are shipped internationally each year, with the United States being the primary destination. Canada, Japan, Spain, and even distant markets like China and the Netherlands also eagerly import Mexican avocados. It’s not just guacamole on game day in the U.S.; it’s sushi in Tokyo, toast in Toronto, and salads in Amsterdam.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Perhaps the most impressive part of this evolving trade story is not just the volume of avocados being exported, but the level of sanitary precision that has been maintained throughout. The Work Plan for avocado export between Mexico and the United States has been in place since 1997, overseen by APHIS in close collaboration with Mexican plant health experts from Senasica’s General Directorate of Plant Health. Together, they have worked tirelessly to monitor and inspect orchards, ensuring that pests of quarantine concern are detected and eradicated before they can ever threaten the cross-border trade.

This process isn’t a mere technicality. Pests, once established, can devastate crops and cost economies billions. The fact that Mexican avocados have maintained a clean bill of health for nearly three decades speaks volumes about the meticulous fieldwork of Mexican producers, who have shown unwavering dedication to detecting and controlling potential pest threats. It’s no small feat to keep orchards free of infestations year after year, especially when global trade constantly exposes crops to new challenges.

With this latest transfer of responsibilities, both Mexico and the United States are signaling a desire to deepen their agricultural collaboration. The move is a step toward more agile, efficient trade, while still maintaining the highest standards of safety. It reflects the evolution of an alliance that has grown stronger with time, balancing national interests with a shared goal: the smooth and safe flow of avocados across borders.

The Green Gold Standard

The avocado may be a small, unassuming fruit, but it has played a powerful role in the economic and social fabric of Mexico. The industry generates thousands of jobs, sustains rural communities, and brings billions of dollars in revenue, helping to elevate Mexico’s global agricultural profile. In Michoacán alone, avocado production supports over 100,000 jobs—a lifeline for many families and local economies.

And it’s not just about numbers; there’s a cultural pride embedded in this trade. The "green gold," as it's often called, is celebrated in festivals, recipes, and local traditions. Avocados are part of the culinary DNA of Mexico, from the simple taco to the more elaborate dishes that grace both family tables and high-end restaurants.

But the future of the avocado trade is also about more than tradition—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation. As the demand for avocados continues to soar, producers are increasingly focused on balancing this growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that water usage, soil health, and ecosystem protection are integrated into the cultivation process. This is not just a fruit; it’s a symbol of a forward-thinking approach to agriculture, where trade and sustainability go hand in hand.

A Model for the Future of Trade

The transfer of orchard sampling and certification duties to Mexican officials represents more than just a policy shift—it’s a model for future international trade agreements. It shows that with trust, transparency, and cooperation, nations can work together to create systems that are both efficient and secure. It’s a win-win for both countries: the United States can enjoy its steady supply of avocados, while Mexico can take pride in its role as the world’s premier avocado supplier.

This shift also opens the door to further innovations in the agricultural trade space. As the avocado industry continues to grow, perhaps similar models can be adopted for other commodities, fostering even greater collaboration and resilience in the face of global challenges, such as climate change, pest outbreaks, and shifting market dynamics.

In the end, this evolving avocado story is about more than just fruit. It’s a tale of partnership, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether spread on toast or spooned into a taco, every bite of avocado carries with it the weight of decades of hard work, international cooperation, and a future that looks as bright and vibrant as the green fruit itself.

Source: Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural. “Acuerdan México y Estados Unidos que personal de Agricultura supervise huertos del programa de exportación de aguacate.” gob.mx, http://www.gob.mx/agricultura/prensa/acuerdan-mexico-y-estados-unidos-que-personal-de-agricultura-supervise-huertos-del-programa-de-exportacion-de-aguacate. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.