What Percentage Of Avocados Come From Cartels?

Today, Mexico — specifically, the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is the only state certified by the US Department of Agriculture to sell the fruit to the United States — supplies about 80 percent of the 60 million pounds of avocados eaten north of the border each week.

Is the avocado industry run 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.

What percentage of avocados are imported from Mexico?

In terms of volume, the United States 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 $3.2 billion of which 79% went to the United States.

Where does the US get most of its avocados from?

California
According to NASS, California now accounts for the majority of U.S. avocado production, followed by Florida and Hawaii.

Are avocados from Mexico really from Mexico?

Americans really prefer just one variety of avocado: the Hass, which is the type imported from Mexico. While the U.S. allows Hass avocado imports from Peru and Colombia, wholesalers prefer not to sell them because they’re thought to be lower quality.

Why is the US banning avocados?

The import shutdown was triggered by a threat made to a United States food inspector. The U.S lifted a ban on imports of Mexican avocados, ending a week-long suspension triggered by a threat against a food inspector that halted America’s primary supply of the produce.

Who controls avocado?

Today, Mexico — specifically, the Mexican state of Michoacán, which is the only state certified by the US Department of Agriculture to sell the fruit to the United States — supplies about 80 percent of the 60 million pounds of avocados eaten north of the border each week.

Who is the largest supplier of avocados?

Mexico
The estimated total world production for avocados in 2020 was 8,059,359 metric tonnes, up 13.9% from 7,077,148 tonnes in 2019. Mexico was the largest producer, accounting for nearly 30% of global production.

How many avocados does the US import from Mexico?

Last year, the U.S. imported 1.2 million metric tons of avocados, and 1.1 million (89 percent) came from Mexico. And in the past two years (2020 and 2021) around 80 percent of the avocados that were exported from Michoacán were sent to the United States.

What percentage of avocados consumed in the US come from Mexico?

From 2019–21, 88 percent of all shipments came from Mexico, while 7 percent came from Peru, 3 percent from the Dominican Republic, and 1 percent from Chile.

Why have avocado imports from Mexico been suspended?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that imports of Mexican avocados could resume after a brief pause. A week ago, one of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service inspectors in Mexico was threatened, leading to the suspension of imports of the fruit from the border nation.

Why does America import avocados from Mexico?

Avocados from Mexico have been fueling America’s taste for the fruit since 1997, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture lifted a 1914 import ban, which originally was implemented due to fears over pests like seed weevils infesting U.S. crops.

Should I 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).

Is it safe to eat avocados from Mexico?

They’ll end up rotting, says food reporter. The U.S. announced a few days ago that it’s temporarily banning avocado imports from Mexico after an American produce safety inspector in Michoacán received a threat.

Where does Texas get its avocados from?

In Texas, production is so small that it is not reported in U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. The only Texas counties that are suitable for commercial avocado production are in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where avocados represent a very small percentage of commercial farm acreage.

Why did Biden stop avocados?

The US has lifted a short-lived ban on importing Mexican avocados. The Biden administration announced a ban last week after a US inspector was verbally threatened. The ban sparked fears of an avocado shortage and a potential increase in prices.

Why is the US not allowing avocados from Mexico?

The ban was issued last week after a U.S. inspector was verbally threatened in the state of Michoacán in Mexico. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.

What is wrong with avocados?

One of the serious side effects of avocados is that it can damage liver health. There are certain types of avocado oil which may cause damage to your liver. Try to avoid Mexican avocado which consists of estragole and anethole. These elements have been tested for carcinogenic reactions.

What do Mexican cartels want?

As the United States of America is the world’s largest consumer of cocaine, as well as of other illegal drugs, their demand is what motivates the drug business, and the main goal of Mexican cartels is to introduce narcotics into the U.S.

What state eats the most avocados?

Los Angeles still consumes the most avocados—some 300 million annually—but other cities, like New York, Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston are catching up.

Where does Chipotle get their avocados?

Mexico
Last year the company served more than 43 million pounds of avocados from Mexico ; the company sources exclusively from Mexico in certain months to ensure the taste and quality of its guacamole is the absolute best. Chipotle also buys avocados from California , Chile and Peru based on peak growing seasons.