The Dominican Republic is urged to capitalize on the booming avocado market responsibly to avoid the ecological issues faced by Mexico. The global avocado market, which hit $13.97 billion in 2021, is expected to surpass $26 billion by 2030. Avocados rank as the third largest edible agricultural export of the Dominican Republic, trailing only behind cocoa and bananas. In 2023, fruit exports reached $97.2 million, marking a steady increase from previous years and positioning the country as the fifth largest avocado producer globally.
The United States is the primary destination for Dominican avocados, absorbing about 48% of the exports. The Dominican Republic has also penetrated new markets, such as Jamaica, thanks to the lifting of phytosanitary restrictions. The country's success in cultivating various avocado varieties, particularly Hass and Green Peel, is attributed to its tropical location, which ensures ample sunlight and quality produce. Notably, efforts between 2015 and 2020 aimed to position the Dominican Republic as a leading exporter of Green Peel avocados, with support from the United States Department of Agriculture.
In response to these developments, Dominican exporters have launched the "Dom Tropical Avocado from the Dominican Republic" brand to bolster their presence in the western United States. Meanwhile, Mexico's avocado industry grapples with environmental challenges due to intensive farming practices. The Dominican Republic is advised to adopt responsible cultivation methods, including polycultures, to mitigate environmental impact and ensure the sustainability of its avocado sector.
Source: dominicantoday.com