The Government of Mexico, via the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, conducted a virtual event, "Our Wealth: The Avocado," focusing on the avocado's historical, cultural, and economic role. The emphasis was on small producers and Mexico's position in global avocado production.
Víctor Villalobos Arámbula, head of the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that avocados are integral to Mexico's agricultural heritage, with evidence of consumption in Puebla dating back 7,000 to 8,000 years. He mentioned 18 avocado varieties registered with the National Seed Inspection and Certification Service (SNICS), with small growers, particularly in Michoacán, dominating the industry. Over 25,000 of Michoacán's 26,980 registered exporters cultivate less than 10 hectares each.
Villalobos emphasized protecting local avocado varieties to maintain genetic diversity, crucial for crop improvement. From 2012 to 2018, avocado planting grew at 7.2% annually, slowing to 1.2% in 2018–2019, aligning with a focus on sustainability and limiting agricultural expansion.
Inter-institutional cooperation supports efforts to promote avocado conservation and responsible production. Francisco Javier Trujillo Arriaga, head of Senasica, highlighted the success of Mexico's 25-year National Campaign against Avocado Pests, facilitating export to about 30 countries. Additionally, over 20,000 hectares are monitored to ensure pesticide residues meet importers' standards, including Japan.
Xóchitl Ramírez Reivich of Conabio stressed avocados' role in biodiversity conservation through sustainable agricultural practices. Partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture aim to uphold environmental standards and prevent encroachment on forests and jungles.
Ricardo Díaz Negrete, representing the National Committee of the Avocado Product System, reported that Mexico harvested over 2.48 million tons of avocados last year, with Michoacán producing 74.4% of the total. Mexico ranks first globally, contributing 34% of the world's avocado supply. In 2020, exports exceeded 1.29 million tons, primarily to the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe, marking 44.2% growth over five years.
Through initiatives like "Our Wealth," Mexico aims to honor its agricultural legacy while promoting sustainable practices to safeguard biodiversity and farmers' livelihoods.
Source: Gobierno de Mexico