Avocado Empire Built on Sand

Mexico’s Michoacán state is home to a massive avocado industry that has grown exponentially over the past two decades. Worth billions of dollars annually, the majority of these avocados are exported to the United States, where they’re used in guacamole, smoothies, and other delicacies.

But this lucrative trade is built on fragile ground. Violence, extortion, and security threats have plagued the industry for years. A recent U.S. security alert halted exports, highlighting the delicate balance between meeting U.S. certification requirements and dealing with local cartels that demand “fees” for protection.

Avocados picked by workers like Francisco Isidro are a prized commodity, fetching high prices on international markets. However, behind every box of Hass avocados lies a complex web of threats and vulnerabilities. Extortion is a major concern, with growers reportedly paying up to 1 peso per kilo in “fees” just to keep their operations running.

Mexico’s avocado production has become heavily dependent on U.S. inspection and certification. To meet stringent requirements for export, farmers must invest significant resources in equipment, labor, and training. This makes them vulnerable to security threats and disruptions in trade relations with the United States.

A Long History of Violence

Violence in Michoacán’s avocado country dates back several decades. The state has long been a hotbed of organized crime, with local cartels controlling much of the territory. These groups have expanded their operations to include extortion and other forms of racketeering.

Avocado farmers like Valentín Rodríguez are accustomed to living with this reality. “We are at the mercy of whatever the U.S. market and government decide to do with the industry,” he said in an interview. This reliance on U.S. trade has made the avocado industry a prime target for extortion, theft, and intimidation.

Export-Dependent Economy

The recent security alert had far-reaching consequences, forcing producers like Rodríguez to shut down operations and leaving thousands of workers in limbo. This economic instability affects not just individual producers but also has ripple effects throughout the region.

Michoacán’s avocado industry generates significant revenue for the state government through taxes and royalties. The loss of exports due to security threats not only affects farmers and workers directly involved in the industry but also has broader impacts on the local economy.

A Delicate Balance

The deployment of over 1,500 soldiers to protect Michoacán’s avocado-growing region may have eased some concerns about security. However, this increased military presence is unlikely to address the root causes of violence and extortion in the area.

Avocado farmers like Rodríguez are caught between competing pressures: meeting U.S. certification requirements while also dealing with local cartels that demand “fees” for protection. The solution to these problems will require more than just a temporary boost in security forces; it demands a sustained effort to address the underlying social and economic conditions that perpetuate violence in Michoacán.

The balance between U.S. trade regulations, local extortion, and state-level security threats is precarious at best. As long as this complex web of interests remains intact, the avocado industry will continue to be vulnerable to disruptions and shocks.

In the end, it’s not just about ensuring a steady supply of avocados to meet U.S. demand; it’s also about addressing the human cost of this trade. The lives of workers like Francisco Isidro, who risk their safety every day to pick avocados that will eventually find their way to American tables, should be worth more than just a few dollars per pound.

The avocado empire built on sand is a precarious thing indeed. As the industry continues to grow and expand, it’s time for all stakeholders – from farmers and workers to policymakers and consumers – to confront the dark underbelly of this trade head-on.