Why did the US restrict the import of avocado from Michoacán?
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(CNN) --
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this Friday that its avocado inspection program in Michoacán and exports of this product to USA
"APHIS, in close collaboration with the Regional Security Officer of the United States Embassy in Mexico, the Mexican national plant protection organization (SENASICA), and the Association of Producers and Packers Exporters of Avocado of Mexico (APEAM), have enacted additional measures that enhance the safety of APHIS inspectors working in the field, following a threat made to an employee on February 11," the statement read.
Inspections were suspended last week after a US inspector working in Uruapan, Michoacán, received a threatening call on his official cell phone.
APHIS said the safety of USDA employees who are doing their jobs is of the utmost importance, adding, "USDA appreciates the positive and collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that resolved this issue in a timely manner."
Michoacán is the only state in Mexico authorized to export avocados to the United States.
In 2020 and 2021, approximately 80% of the avocados exported from Michoacán went to US markets, according to official figures.
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"In 2021, the United States imported $3 billion of avocados globally, $2.8 billion of them from Mexico (92%). In terms of volume, the United States imported 1.2 million metric tons of avocados, with 1.1 million originating from Mexico (89%), ”the statement said.
The reaction of the governor of Michoacán
Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said he is pleased with the US government's decision to resume its avocado inspection program in the state.
“I am pleased that the United States Government has determined to immediately resume its inspection program for avocados in Michoacán,” Ramírez tweeted on Friday.
"With this decision we ensure the export of the fruit and give economic certainty to farmers and workers."
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