Mexico: APEAM denies that avocados are causing deforestation

According to the New Zealand newspaper The New Zealand Herald, the growing demand for avocados is contributing indirectly to deforestation and environmental degradation in Mexico, the world's largest producer of avocados, but this, according to Ramón Paz, advisor of APEAM (the Association of Producers, Exporters and Packers of Avocados from Mexico), could not be further from the truth.

Paz denies the connection between the growth of the avocado industry and deforestation in the Mexican state of Michoacan, and argues that "the vast majority of existing orchards were already planted before the recent expansion in the international markets. Furthermore, APEAM has been an active supporter of environmental initiatives and has invested in an extensive reforestation program. "The association has planted more than 500,000 pine trees in recent years, of the kind that are supposedly being deforested to plant avocados, and will continue planting many more, with the goal of "achieving the best possible balance between the growing global demand for avocados, the protection of the environment and the lifestyle of thousands of small farmers and agricultural workers."

He adds that avocados are the basis for the livelihood of 20,000 producers, 75% of whom own fewer than 5 hectares, in addition to the more than 200,000 workers in the industry.

Moreover, APEAM is against all illegal deforestation, and the consultant argues that most of its producers strictly enforce environmental laws and regulations. "We run the largest area in the world devoted to the production of Hass avocados. We have always supported the development of our industry based on responsible practices," he assures.

Paz criticises the lack of knowledge about the industry shown by the author of the article when it is mentioned that avocado trees require more watering than pine trees, when, in the words of the adviser of APEAM, "more than 70% of the production of avocados in Michoacan is not irrigated. This production depends on the abundant rainfall that is recorded in our area."

Lastly, the New Zealand paper suggests that drug cartels are taking part of the income off the producers, comments that Paz considered anachronistic and malicious. "The war against drugs in Mexico has affected many people and sectors. Some producers and packers were threatened in the past; however, from January 2014, Mexico's Federal Police took over security in our state, Michoacan; they dismantled the existing criminal groups and brought a period of peace and security that we still enjoy today." Moreover, besides the protection from the Government of Mexico, the safety of the US export industry is reinforced by the close supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.