It takes approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocado.

Mexico's avocado exports to the US are valued at $2.8 billion annually, contributing to the economic progress in both countries.

Michoacán is the primary Mexican state producing avocados and likely exports them to the United States, given its high production volume.

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, who import avocados from developing countries, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with crime and violence due to the emergence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

"Kenyan companies can invest in irrigation and green technology for sustainable avocado production, as highlighted by the example of Kakuzi's use of dams to collect rainfall for irrigation."

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns related to avocado cultivation.

"It takes approximately 320 liters of water to grow one avocado, as reported by DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media."

Governments can promote sustainable avocado farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes reducing water use and chemical use.

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with its popularity increasing greatly in recent years due to its health benefits.

The trend reflecting consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices is Climate Aware, driven by growing concerns about the environmental impact of food sources, particularly climate change.

Avocado farming in Michoacan, Mexico has caused significant environmental damage, including depleted local water supplies, deforestation, soil erosion, and chemical contamination of water sources.

It takes approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocado.

Title:

Content: Avocado: Between Environmental Impacts and Global Market Controllers
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, which produces about 80% of the world ’ s avocado, avocado cultivation has depleted local water supplies and caused severe environmental damage, with studies showing that avocado cultivation has led to deforestation, soil erosion and chemical contamination of water sources.
(Getty)
In recent years, the avocado industry has become a staple in many diets around the world, and its popularity has increased greatly due to the multiple health benefits.
However, the demand for this fruit has led to harmful environmental effects and the emergence of a mafia that controls the production and distribution of avocados in some countries.
A Chilean study published recently said that avocado cultivation has caused severe water shortages, as well as in Peru, where large farmers have dominated the avocado market since the 1990s, where cultivation requires huge amounts of water, the production of one kilogram of avocado, consumes about 1,000 liters of water, much more than other crops such as tomatoes or oranges.
According to a report by the Water Footprint Network, the production of one kilogram of tomatoes requires about 300 liters of water, and the high water use of avocado production has led to water scarcity and depletion of aquifers in some areas.
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, which produces about 80% of the world ’ s avocado, avocado cultivation has depleted local water supplies and caused severe environmental damage, with studies showing that avocado cultivation has led to deforestation, soil erosion and chemical contamination of water sources.
According to the report, moving avocados from the production site to the market also has a significant impact on the climate, as avocados are grown mainly in developing countries, and are exported to developed countries such as the United States, Europe and Japan, and the transport of avocados over long distances contributes to greenhouse gas emissions harmful to the environment. Approximately 5.4 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per kg of avocado.
Avocado production has also led to the emergence of a mafia that controls the production and distribution of avocados in some countries, where the avocado mafia operates mainly in Mexico, where it controls the production and export of avocados, and this mafia, according to media reports, consists of criminal organizations that use violence and intimidation to control the production and distribution of avocados, and often extort money from farmers. The avocado mafia uses violence to eliminate competitors and dominate the export market, as studies have shown that these gangs are responsible for deforestation, land grabbing and violence against indigenous communities in Mexico.
According to dozens of studies published in recent years, avocado cultivation also has negative effects on local communities. In some areas, demand for avocados has led to land grabbing, community displacement, labor exploitation, and avocado cultivation in the Mexican state of Michoacán has led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the exploitation of often paid migrant workers. Some studies have shown that the expansion of avocado cultivation has displaced traditional crops, leading to food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.
According to the study, governments around the world can take various measures to mitigate the impact of this agriculture on the climate, and one way is to promote sustainable avocado farming practices that reduce water use and reduce the use of chemicals. Protect the environment, provide financial incentives to farmers and enact laws that will deter illegal and criminal practices in these countries.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Mexico's avocado exports to the US are valued at $2.8 billion annually, contributing to the economic progress in both countries.

Title:

Content: For foodies, workers, restaurant owners and investors on both sides of the Rio Grande border, Friday brought a sigh of relief after the United States lifted its temporary ban on imports of Mexican avocados.

The week-long pause — albeit a short one — had fueled concerns in the avocado industry, from the workers who pick the fruit in Mexico to consumers worrying about a potential shortage of a staple in the diets of many Americans.

Mexico supplies about 80 percent of the avocados eaten in the United States. The import ban — stemming from purported threats to a U.S. inspector in the Latin American country — shook a billion-dollar industry. Not only did the commotion showcase the law enforcement issues that growers are frequently subjected to in Mexico, but experts said it underscored the importance of one of the strongest and most successful bilateral trade agreements.

Before being smeared into toast or squashed into guacamole, the avocado’s life begins in an orchard in Michoacán — a western Mexican state over a thousand miles away from the border and the only one allowed to send over avocados to the United States. From a bright-green fruit hanging atop trees to its final stage inside American kitchens, the avocado’s journey from seed to food encompasses different phases of inspections and agreements between the two nations — which suddenly took a hit.

Last week, a plant safety inspector from the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was inspecting avocados in Michoacán, when he saw some avocados that looked suspiciously like they came from another state, according to USDA and other industry experts. He raised a red flag and soon after, he received a voice-mail threat. Then the USDA announced it was shutting down imports until it could be assured its agents were safe.

The potential of an impending shortage quickly rippled across the industry — one that came shortly before the Super Bowl, one of the avocado’s biggest events. Soon, food establishments and groceries began worrying about keeping up with a demand that has exponentially increased throughout the past decade.

Prices for the fruit deemed “green gold” were already 100 percent higher than the previous year, said David Magaña, a senior analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness. But the year-long availability of avocados had also increased as well — indicating that a surge in demand can be attributed to different factors, he said.

For one, avocados, with their versatility and healthy fat attributes, became a food trend and Internet obsession. At the same time, the Hispanic population booms across the country — with a larger share of Latinos among Gen Z — have been “one of the major forces pulling the demand for avocados,” the analyst said.

But behind all those green juices and avocado Instagram-worthy photos is the partnership between Mexico and the United States — which has played a crucial role in enabling the market to expand.

In 1995 — a time when “fat-free” food staples ruled the market — the United States did not have much of a taste for avocados. The majority of the consumed fruit was produced in California. Avocado imports that year totaled $14.7 million, of which $700,000 came from Mexico, said David Orden, a professor in the department of agricultural and applied economics at Virginia Tech.

Mexico’s avocados had been banned in the decades before the North American Free Trade Agreement from 1994, Orden said — mostly out of a concern that weevils, scabs and other pests could enter U.S. orchards from imported products. The trade agreement opened the door for the incremental expansion of avocados.

In establishing a system in which U.S. inspectors verify that avocados are pest-free — from when they are growing in orchards to the moment they are packed into sealed trucks — Mexico has been allowed to ship its agricultural product. It started with an approved wintertime stock in Alaska back in the ’90s that has turned into a current year-long supply in all states.

“So that’s all very encouraging and great story about growth and trade agreements, and something the U.S. is trying to do in other countries as well,” Orden said.

The agreement has contributed to economic progress in both sides of the border. Last year, “the two-way food and agricultural trade reached $65 billion, including $2.8 billion in Mexican avocado exports to the United States,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said in a statement. In Michoacán, some 300,000 workers depend on the avocado industry — including those doing the picking, the packing and the transporting of the fruit.

But their livelihoods have been threatened by encumbering cartels, who see the booming industry as a golden hen for profit, Orden said.

“It has attracted the attention of these gangs in an area where the cartels are not under control,” he said. “That’s where this story takes on a shadier color. But that’s really a law enforcement issue, and one that affects all of our relationships with Mexico.”

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement that it had worked with the Mexican government and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico to enact “additional measures” to safeguard the safety of its inspectors.

While the agency did not disclose what such measures encompass, they served to avert what could have been a costly avocado crisis — one that would had impacted plenty, from those picking the fruit to those biting into their avocado toasts.

“With this we ensure the exportation of fruit and provide economic certainty to farmers and day laborers,” Michoacán Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla tweeted Friday.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

Michoacán is the primary Mexican state producing avocados and likely exports them to the United States, given its high production volume.

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, who import avocados from developing countries, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with crime and violence due to the emergence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

"Kenyan companies can invest in irrigation and green technology for sustainable avocado production, as highlighted by the example of Kakuzi's use of dams to collect rainfall for irrigation."

Title:

Content: Sustainable farming holds the key to economic prosperity

Agriculture holds the key to economic transformation for Kenya and the East African region. However, the challenge lies in practising sustainable agriculture to unlock its true value from food production to agro-processing.

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) takes place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as a region and human race, we have many challenges ahead.

Some, are brought on by climate change, population pressure and political or financial instability within our economic and geopolitical space. Still, as a country and region, we have many unique advantages including political goodwill which, if used wisely, will allow us to build a robust agricultural economy.

Let me start by dealing with a favourite topic of mine, irrigation and water security. At Kakuzi, we have 19 dams which collect rainfall - allowing us to use the water for irrigation during dry season.

The critical part of our water security is not just the dam but the catchment itself.

If we don’t preserve the water catchment fields, our dams won’t fill with water, or they could silt up. In short, sustainable and secure irrigation requires that we sacrifice something, in this case, acres and acres of land, which act as water catchment areas.

These fields are preserved with natural habitat and managed to avoid soil erosion, bush clearance or overgrazing. In these fields, we must overcome the temptation to dig up the land and plant crops.

The next key challenge for agriculture after water is energy and not just the cost but also availability. In Kenya, our key export crop of tea requires energy to turn it from lush green leaves to dry tea; bear in mind that 4.5 kilos of green leaf converts to 1 kilo of black tea as the rest is water.  As we encourage farmers to grow more green tea leaves, we must also consider how to dry leaves.

-Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

In every tea-growing country, the energy for drying tea is a significant issue, whether it’s coal in India, gas in Bangladesh or fuel wood for us in East and Central Africa. Engineers have calculated the energy required, and it’s staggering. We must find sustainable solutions for this, as it’s not an easy or quick fix.

We all know the impact of energy prices on fertiliser, which is just another reason why we need to minimise our use wherever we can. Composting and mulching at Kakuzi to improve soil health and enhance soil fertility is a crucial component of our agricultural practices. Given that only 10 per cent of a macadamia nut is the edible kernel, a lot of biomass is available for conversion to energy or compost.

Teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques and when to apply different nutrients and in what quantities is part of what we do. Our online avocado academy ‘Kakuzi Avocademy’ is designed as an e-learning portal for farmers. Through the e-learning platform, we strive to advance shared prosperity values allowing smallholder farmers to learn and make the best crop husbandry decisions.

For many years now, I have been saying that we must explain how farmers can sell their fruit for the best value before we can tell them to plant an avocado tree.

Unfortunately, the fact is that the supply-demand equation for a perishable product such as avocados is a reality. Produce a product with limited marketability in a period of oversupply at your peril. This is precisely what happened in the avocado market earlier this year.

An oversupply of fruit in Europe through large Peruvian shipments and late European and North African production meant minimal marketing options for Kenyan smallholder fruit.

As I mentioned above, discerning customers choosing to eat a superfood such as macadamia or avocado want to know what they are eating and how it was produced. This is not because good Kenyan fruit is of substandard quality but simply because a lot of fruit from the country doesn’t have traceability credentials. If we as producers cannot demonstrate these traceability credentials, then high-value markets are limited and becoming more so.

We should also avoid the trap of thinking that emerging markets in the far east are less stringent than our traditional European markets. Sending substandard fruit to an emerging market can only depress demand, not enhance it.

Further up in the Rift Valley in the tea fields of Nandi and beyond, agricultural interest, mainly crop diversification, is also rising. The number of people seeking advice on avocado and macadamia potential in the region predominantly known for tea is growing.

Undoubtedly, this is the best time to get on the agribusiness side of things. As the name suggests, agribusiness means agricultural production for consumption and sale to raise much-needed financial resources. Like any other business, Agri-preneurs must carefully consider profit and loss fundamentals.

Considering profit and loss means engaging the investing community in the agricultural space to appreciate the role of credit access, mechanisation, technology and human resource management for efficiency.

Having been on the agricultural front my entire life, I can attest to this field-based industry’s value and potential to power rapid economic transformation. Kakuzi is an example of a leading agribusiness firm involved in commercial agricultural endeavours, including livestock rearing and agroforestry beyond our renowned avocado and macadamia production.

In Kenya, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda 2022 - 2027 rightly notes that the agricultural sector has the highest growth multiplier effect on other economic sectors due to strong backward and forward linkages. There can be no denying that agriculture is our most globally competitive sector but getting it right is complex. Patience, long-term thinking and getting the fundamentals of sustainability, quality and traceability correct is the key.

Sometimes numbers tell the value of an agricultural enterprise better. For example, last year, notwithstanding the challenges of an “OFF” year cycle, Kakuzi PLC exported  Sh94 million worth of HASS avocados for our smallholder farmers. The previous ON-year cycle had seen us ship HASS Avocado cartons worth Sh152. 2 million for smallholder farmers.

In this venture geared at supporting smallholder farmers access quality international markets, we made payouts amounting to more than Sh31.4 million for the smallholder farmers from Kakuzi’s local community in Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru and Trans-Nzoia counties.

This is but one of the proof points that agribusiness is a viable economic avenue that can empower our farmers if we do it correctly.

However, we must remain alive to the vagaries of climate change as a risk factor to agricultural production and work towards building resilience.

Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

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What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns related to avocado cultivation.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

"It takes approximately 320 liters of water to grow one avocado, as reported by DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media."

Title:

Content: "Superfood" avocado has become one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its dense taste and wide use, but environmental awareness has risen in recent years, and due to the need for water and high carbon footprint during cultivation, some restaurants around the world have resisted avocado, replacing the ingredients used in dishes with other fruits and vegetables.
According to the Guardian and The Hill, growing avocados requires a lot of water. According to DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media, it takes an average of 320 litres of water to grow one avocados.
In addition, thanks to the popularity of avocados around the world, the international transportation of avocados after harvest has further boosted the carbon footprint, which is estimated by Carbon Footprint Ltd to be nearly 850 grams for two avocados commonly found on supermarket shelves.
The main production area of avocado is in Central and South America, but because it is popular with North American and European consumers, the avocado has to be transported across continents when it grows.
Because the journey is too long, farmers often pick the avocado before it is ripe, and it is necessary to use temperature-controlled containers to transport the avocado, all of which push up the avocado ’ s carbon footprint.
In addition, the price of avocado has been soaring in recent years, according to Business Insider, by 2019, the Hass avocado produced in California has risen to $2.1 (about NT $58).
In recent years, the price of avocado has risen, and the cost of its cultivation and transportation has been inextricably linked, and California's casepear production has been severely affected by drought and wildfires in recent years.
Growing and distributing avocados also requires a lot of labor, and the avocados need to be transported to the ripening center first after picking them first, and then to the sales sites after adding ethylene.
Thomasina Miers, founder of the British Mexican restaurant chain, pointed out that today's strong demand for avocado around the world has caused the price of avocado to soar to the point that indigenous people in the region cannot afford it.
Realizing the environmental impact of avocados, restaurants around the world are beginning to resist them. Myers says his restaurant has replaced the cornflake sauce “avocados ” with beans, green peppers, lime, parsley, etc.
Canadian Mexican chef Aldo Camarena also introduced dipping sauces made with pumpkin seeds and tomatoes, while Irish restaurant owner JP McMahon removed the avocado from the menu, calling it “Mexico ’ s blood diamond. ”
Chefs declare war on a trendy fruit because of its enormous carbon footprint
Source: Why avocados are so expensive
End of the avocado: why chefs are ditching the unsustainable fruit
# Avocado # Superfood # Chef # Boycott # Planting

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Governments can promote sustainable avocado farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes reducing water use and chemical use.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with its popularity increasing greatly in recent years due to its health benefits.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

The trend reflecting consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices is Climate Aware, driven by growing concerns about the environmental impact of food sources, particularly climate change.

Title:

Content: Food technology - an indispensable re-industrialization puzzle
Author: Tang Xiwei
Published: Updated:
The Reindustrialisation Research Report, a collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, focuses on three economies of similar size to Hong Kong ’ s economy and population – Israel, Singapore and Switzerland.
Recently, the Singapore government and the Israeli government signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on artificial intelligence, and advocated to strengthen cooperation in areas such as agricultural technology and food technology.
When a small, open economy like Hong Kong, like Singapore, is in danger, re-imagining its own positioning in the global economy in the post-pandemic era and planning for a new direction of development, should Hong Kong think about how to advance to high-end technology industries?
In fact, food manufacturing and processing have always played an important role in the Hong Kong economy. Although the proportion of manufacturing in the Hong Kong economy has continued to decline, the food manufacturing industry in Hong Kong has continued to expand, and many traditional food manufacturers have used the established brands to expand from the local market to the world.
One of the five major industries of re-industrialisation in Hong Kong, some of which I have mentioned are closely related to food manufacturing, such as health products and plant foods.
In the eyes of global consumers, Hong Kong ’ s food manufacturers are regarded as quality producers with good reputation and high safety standards.
Rethinking the food supply chain from the coronavirus and the geopolitical crisis
In the past two years, due to the epidemic, factory shutdowns, port congestion, and a wave of resignation in Western society, the global supply chain has been seriously affected, and many products are in short supply and prices have risen.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be tense, leading to soaring food and raw material prices, food shortages and severe inflation in many economies, and the era of global stagflation has begun.
As a result, governments will step up efforts to ensure the security of food and its supply chain, which opens up many potential opportunities for food technology.
Pamela Lee, Director of Policy and Planning at the National Climate Change Secretariat of the Prime Minister ’ s Office of Singapore, said Singapore wanted to use innovation and technology to overcome food safety challenges and use cell-based meat to find solutions for future human health and sustainability.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food sources they eat and the impact on the planet, especially climate change.
Deforestation due to crop cultivation and livestock farming increases carbon emissions, as well as pollution such as fertilizer and methane emissions, impacting sustainable development.
In addition, consumer health awareness has increased, and demand for organic and plant-based foods has increased.
According to an August 2021 study by Bloomberg News, plant-based foods will rise nearly 5.5 times in a decade and will account for 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, worth more than US $162 billion.
To achieve carbon neutrality, countries need to promote policies through the market to more effectively promote the development of new food raw materials, vertical agriculture, laboratory meat and plant diets.
In addition, agricultural technology is booming, leveraging Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies to improve transparency and accessibility for food producers and consumers, and rapidly improve resource management and productivity.
Many traditional food manufacturers take advantage of brands established over the years to expand from local markets to global markets.
Food technology innovation in Hong Kong is not in the ascendant
While the share of manufacturing value added in Hong Kong ’ s economy is rapidly shrinking, the “food, beverage and tobacco products industry ” has become increasingly important, with its share of manufacturing industry increasing from 4.4% in 1973 to 34.1% in 2019. The number of people employed in the tobacco manufacturing industry increased from 30,037 to 34,053.
In addition, in the eyes of global consumers, food manufacturers in Hong Kong are often regarded as quality producers with good reputation and high safety standards.
Taking advantage of Hong Kong ’ s existing competitive edge in the food industry and effectively applying Industry 4.0 and other new industrial technologies will surely bring new opportunities to Hong Kong ’ s economy.
Since the 2016 policy address of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), many Hong Kong-owned manufacturers in mainland China, including some food manufacturers, have planned to relocate some or even all of their production processes back to Hong Kong.
However, lack of land and building area constraints, as well as high production costs in Hong Kong, have affected manufacturers ’ plans.
Some manufacturers hope that the Hong Kong Government and relevant associations can help the industry to establish a food production industrial park and provide low-cost venues and supporting facilities to support the industry's further development in Hong Kong.
They also stressed that they hope that the industrial park will allow them to share resources such as logistics, water supply and environmentally friendly sewage treatment, helping to further share production costs and ultimately create a win-win situation for the government, the food industry and consumers.
“Made in Hong Kong ” brand carries Hong Kong ’ s reputation for food safety and quality, thanks to Hong Kong ’ s well-established food safety regulatory framework and legal system.
Therefore, industry stakeholders expect the Government to make good use of the “Made in Hong Kong ” brand, while manufacturers focus on developing technologies that bring high added value.
Using Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, advanced food manufacturing will be able to become one of the driving forces behind Hong Kong ’ s reindustrialisation.
The share of the manufacturing industry in Hong Kong's economy has continued to decline, but the food manufacturing industry in Hong Kong has continued to expand.
For example, a well-known Cantonese restaurant company, based on various automation technologies, jointly designed the first intelligent Cantonese food production line with the Productivity Bureau to reduce labor consumption and use intelligent technology, including CPPS, IIoT, real-time data collection (including production, equipment, quality and energy data) and human-machine interface (HMI) for real-time monitoring to improve quality and production efficiency. And...
A local traditional Chinese bakery has also set up an intelligent production line to automate the process of producing different Chinese cakes.
They specifically use sensors instead of human hands for temperature monitoring, which greatly improves occupational safety and reduces labor force.
A long-established beverage manufacturer in Hong Kong has used radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve transportation and distribution efficiency and improve cargo transportation and handling facilities.
Since the start of the project, the average number of trucks loaded per working day and the utilization rate of the loading area have increased by 8% to 10%, while the average loading time and waiting time have decreased by 13% to 14%.
In addition, companies can collect real-time data to help management make timely decisions.
In summary, the food industry covers a wide range of fields, including agriculture and fisheries, vegetarian food, cultured meat, food manufacturing technology, plastic packaging, testing and certification, logistics and sales, food waste treatment and so on.
There is plenty of room to apply innovative technologies in different fields to improve productivity.
Tang Xiwei
Professor of Economics, School of Economics, The University of Hong Kong; Deputy Director, Asia Global Institute
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Avocado farming in Michoacan, Mexico has caused significant environmental damage, including depleted local water supplies, deforestation, soil erosion, and chemical contamination of water sources.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?


It takes approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocado.

Mexico's avocado exports to the US are valued at $2.8 billion annually, contributing to the economic progress in both countries.

Mexico's avocado exports to the US have a significant annual value, estimated to be around $2.8 billion or $3 billion, although the exact figure is not provided in the source document.

Michoacán is the primary Mexican state producing avocados and likely exports them to the United States, given its high production volume.

Michoacán is a key state in Mexico for avocado exports to the United States, with a significant portion of its workforce depending on the avocado industry.

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, who import avocados from developing countries, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, leading to avocados being transported across continents.

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, contributing to the rising price of avocados worldwide.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with crime and violence due to the emergence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence due to the presence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence, which can impact the industry and trade.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence, which can affect the safety of inspectors and the production process.

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence due to the presence of cartels.

"Kenyan companies can invest in irrigation and green technology for sustainable avocado production, as highlighted by the example of Kakuzi's use of dams to collect rainfall for irrigation."

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns related to avocado cultivation.

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, which can help unlock the true value of food production and agro-processing.

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, such as preserving water catchment fields and managing them to avoid soil erosion and overgrazing.

Some farmers promote sustainable agriculture practices like composting and mulching to address environmental concerns.

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, which involves teaching farmers sustainable techniques and responsible use of resources.

"It takes approximately 320 liters of water to grow one avocado, as reported by DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media."

"It takes 320 liters of water to grow one avocado."

Governments can promote sustainable avocado farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes reducing water use and chemical use.

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming by teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques.

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices to mitigate the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes developing innovative solutions and seeds that are resilient to climate change.

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices, such as composting and mulching, to mitigate the climate impact of avocado farming.

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with its popularity increasing greatly in recent years due to its health benefits.

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with large farmers dominating the market in Peru since the 1990s.

The avocado market has experienced substantial growth over the last two decades, driven by the partnership between Mexico and the United States, and facilitated by the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994.

The avocado market has experienced substantial growth over the last two decades, driven by trade agreements and increased exports from Mexico to the United States.

The trend reflecting consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices is Climate Aware, driven by growing concerns about the environmental impact of food sources, particularly climate change.

Consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices are reflected in the Climate Aware trend, which is a predicted food trend for 2023.

Avocado production is associated with several environmental concerns, including deforestation and soil erosion, which can lead to severe environmental damage and depletion of local water supplies.

"The environmental concerns associated with avocado production include deforestation and soil erosion, particularly in countries like Mexico where the avocado mafia's activities have led to these issues."

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries, with Mexico being the largest producer.

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries like Mexico, Chile, and Peru, where it has significant environmental impacts, including water depletion and deforestation.

Avocados are primarily cultivated in developing countries, which has significant environmental and social implications due to the high demand for avocados in developed countries.

Avocados are primarily cultivated in developing countries, with countries like Kenya and Peru being involved in the avocado market.

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries, with Mexico being the world's largest producer.

The rising demand for avocados has led to the emergence of cartels controlling the production and distribution, resulting in harmful environmental effects and potential illegal land acquisition.

Cartels are involved in illegal land acquisition for avocado farming in Mexico, using violence and intimidation to control production and distribution.

Cartels are involved in illegal land acquisition for avocado farming in Mexico, posing a threat to local livelihoods and contributing to the environmental and social concerns surrounding the rising demand for avocados.

Avocado farming in Michoacan, Mexico has caused significant environmental damage, including depleted local water supplies, deforestation, soil erosion, and chemical contamination of water sources.

It takes approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocado.

Title:

Content: Avocado: Between Environmental Impacts and Global Market Controllers
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, which produces about 80% of the world ’ s avocado, avocado cultivation has depleted local water supplies and caused severe environmental damage, with studies showing that avocado cultivation has led to deforestation, soil erosion and chemical contamination of water sources.
(Getty)
In recent years, the avocado industry has become a staple in many diets around the world, and its popularity has increased greatly due to the multiple health benefits.
However, the demand for this fruit has led to harmful environmental effects and the emergence of a mafia that controls the production and distribution of avocados in some countries.
A Chilean study published recently said that avocado cultivation has caused severe water shortages, as well as in Peru, where large farmers have dominated the avocado market since the 1990s, where cultivation requires huge amounts of water, the production of one kilogram of avocado, consumes about 1,000 liters of water, much more than other crops such as tomatoes or oranges.
According to a report by the Water Footprint Network, the production of one kilogram of tomatoes requires about 300 liters of water, and the high water use of avocado production has led to water scarcity and depletion of aquifers in some areas.
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, which produces about 80% of the world ’ s avocado, avocado cultivation has depleted local water supplies and caused severe environmental damage, with studies showing that avocado cultivation has led to deforestation, soil erosion and chemical contamination of water sources.
According to the report, moving avocados from the production site to the market also has a significant impact on the climate, as avocados are grown mainly in developing countries, and are exported to developed countries such as the United States, Europe and Japan, and the transport of avocados over long distances contributes to greenhouse gas emissions harmful to the environment. Approximately 5.4 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per kg of avocado.
Avocado production has also led to the emergence of a mafia that controls the production and distribution of avocados in some countries, where the avocado mafia operates mainly in Mexico, where it controls the production and export of avocados, and this mafia, according to media reports, consists of criminal organizations that use violence and intimidation to control the production and distribution of avocados, and often extort money from farmers. The avocado mafia uses violence to eliminate competitors and dominate the export market, as studies have shown that these gangs are responsible for deforestation, land grabbing and violence against indigenous communities in Mexico.
According to dozens of studies published in recent years, avocado cultivation also has negative effects on local communities. In some areas, demand for avocados has led to land grabbing, community displacement, labor exploitation, and avocado cultivation in the Mexican state of Michoacán has led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the exploitation of often paid migrant workers. Some studies have shown that the expansion of avocado cultivation has displaced traditional crops, leading to food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.
According to the study, governments around the world can take various measures to mitigate the impact of this agriculture on the climate, and one way is to promote sustainable avocado farming practices that reduce water use and reduce the use of chemicals. Protect the environment, provide financial incentives to farmers and enact laws that will deter illegal and criminal practices in these countries.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Mexico's avocado exports to the US are valued at $2.8 billion annually, contributing to the economic progress in both countries.

Title:

Content: For foodies, workers, restaurant owners and investors on both sides of the Rio Grande border, Friday brought a sigh of relief after the United States lifted its temporary ban on imports of Mexican avocados.

The week-long pause — albeit a short one — had fueled concerns in the avocado industry, from the workers who pick the fruit in Mexico to consumers worrying about a potential shortage of a staple in the diets of many Americans.

Mexico supplies about 80 percent of the avocados eaten in the United States. The import ban — stemming from purported threats to a U.S. inspector in the Latin American country — shook a billion-dollar industry. Not only did the commotion showcase the law enforcement issues that growers are frequently subjected to in Mexico, but experts said it underscored the importance of one of the strongest and most successful bilateral trade agreements.

Before being smeared into toast or squashed into guacamole, the avocado’s life begins in an orchard in Michoacán — a western Mexican state over a thousand miles away from the border and the only one allowed to send over avocados to the United States. From a bright-green fruit hanging atop trees to its final stage inside American kitchens, the avocado’s journey from seed to food encompasses different phases of inspections and agreements between the two nations — which suddenly took a hit.

Last week, a plant safety inspector from the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was inspecting avocados in Michoacán, when he saw some avocados that looked suspiciously like they came from another state, according to USDA and other industry experts. He raised a red flag and soon after, he received a voice-mail threat. Then the USDA announced it was shutting down imports until it could be assured its agents were safe.

The potential of an impending shortage quickly rippled across the industry — one that came shortly before the Super Bowl, one of the avocado’s biggest events. Soon, food establishments and groceries began worrying about keeping up with a demand that has exponentially increased throughout the past decade.

Prices for the fruit deemed “green gold” were already 100 percent higher than the previous year, said David Magaña, a senior analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness. But the year-long availability of avocados had also increased as well — indicating that a surge in demand can be attributed to different factors, he said.

For one, avocados, with their versatility and healthy fat attributes, became a food trend and Internet obsession. At the same time, the Hispanic population booms across the country — with a larger share of Latinos among Gen Z — have been “one of the major forces pulling the demand for avocados,” the analyst said.

But behind all those green juices and avocado Instagram-worthy photos is the partnership between Mexico and the United States — which has played a crucial role in enabling the market to expand.

In 1995 — a time when “fat-free” food staples ruled the market — the United States did not have much of a taste for avocados. The majority of the consumed fruit was produced in California. Avocado imports that year totaled $14.7 million, of which $700,000 came from Mexico, said David Orden, a professor in the department of agricultural and applied economics at Virginia Tech.

Mexico’s avocados had been banned in the decades before the North American Free Trade Agreement from 1994, Orden said — mostly out of a concern that weevils, scabs and other pests could enter U.S. orchards from imported products. The trade agreement opened the door for the incremental expansion of avocados.

In establishing a system in which U.S. inspectors verify that avocados are pest-free — from when they are growing in orchards to the moment they are packed into sealed trucks — Mexico has been allowed to ship its agricultural product. It started with an approved wintertime stock in Alaska back in the ’90s that has turned into a current year-long supply in all states.

“So that’s all very encouraging and great story about growth and trade agreements, and something the U.S. is trying to do in other countries as well,” Orden said.

The agreement has contributed to economic progress in both sides of the border. Last year, “the two-way food and agricultural trade reached $65 billion, including $2.8 billion in Mexican avocado exports to the United States,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said in a statement. In Michoacán, some 300,000 workers depend on the avocado industry — including those doing the picking, the packing and the transporting of the fruit.

But their livelihoods have been threatened by encumbering cartels, who see the booming industry as a golden hen for profit, Orden said.

“It has attracted the attention of these gangs in an area where the cartels are not under control,” he said. “That’s where this story takes on a shadier color. But that’s really a law enforcement issue, and one that affects all of our relationships with Mexico.”

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement that it had worked with the Mexican government and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico to enact “additional measures” to safeguard the safety of its inspectors.

While the agency did not disclose what such measures encompass, they served to avert what could have been a costly avocado crisis — one that would had impacted plenty, from those picking the fruit to those biting into their avocado toasts.

“With this we ensure the exportation of fruit and provide economic certainty to farmers and day laborers,” Michoacán Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla tweeted Friday.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

Mexico's avocado exports to the US have a significant annual value, estimated to be around $2.8 billion or $3 billion, although the exact figure is not provided in the source document.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

Michoacán is the primary Mexican state producing avocados and likely exports them to the United States, given its high production volume.

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

Michoacán is a key state in Mexico for avocado exports to the United States, with a significant portion of its workforce depending on the avocado industry.

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, who import avocados from developing countries, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, leading to avocados being transported across continents.

Title:

Content: "Superfood" avocado has become one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its dense taste and wide use, but environmental awareness has risen in recent years, and due to the need for water and high carbon footprint during cultivation, some restaurants around the world have resisted avocado, replacing the ingredients used in dishes with other fruits and vegetables.
According to the Guardian and The Hill, growing avocados requires a lot of water. According to DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media, it takes an average of 320 litres of water to grow one avocados.
In addition, thanks to the popularity of avocados around the world, the international transportation of avocados after harvest has further boosted the carbon footprint, which is estimated by Carbon Footprint Ltd to be nearly 850 grams for two avocados commonly found on supermarket shelves.
The main production area of avocado is in Central and South America, but because it is popular with North American and European consumers, the avocado has to be transported across continents when it grows.
Because the journey is too long, farmers often pick the avocado before it is ripe, and it is necessary to use temperature-controlled containers to transport the avocado, all of which push up the avocado ’ s carbon footprint.
In addition, the price of avocado has been soaring in recent years, according to Business Insider, by 2019, the Hass avocado produced in California has risen to $2.1 (about NT $58).
In recent years, the price of avocado has risen, and the cost of its cultivation and transportation has been inextricably linked, and California's casepear production has been severely affected by drought and wildfires in recent years.
Growing and distributing avocados also requires a lot of labor, and the avocados need to be transported to the ripening center first after picking them first, and then to the sales sites after adding ethylene.
Thomasina Miers, founder of the British Mexican restaurant chain, pointed out that today's strong demand for avocado around the world has caused the price of avocado to soar to the point that indigenous people in the region cannot afford it.
Realizing the environmental impact of avocados, restaurants around the world are beginning to resist them. Myers says his restaurant has replaced the cornflake sauce “avocados ” with beans, green peppers, lime, parsley, etc.
Canadian Mexican chef Aldo Camarena also introduced dipping sauces made with pumpkin seeds and tomatoes, while Irish restaurant owner JP McMahon removed the avocado from the menu, calling it “Mexico ’ s blood diamond. ”
Chefs declare war on a trendy fruit because of its enormous carbon footprint
Source: Why avocados are so expensive
End of the avocado: why chefs are ditching the unsustainable fruit
# Avocado # Superfood # Chef # Boycott # Planting

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

The high demand for avocados is driven by consumers in North America and Europe, contributing to the rising price of avocados worldwide.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

How have avocado prices changed in recent years?

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with crime and violence due to the emergence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence due to the presence of a mafia controlling production and distribution.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence, which can impact the industry and trade.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence, which can affect the safety of inspectors and the production process.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Why did the US temporarily ban Mexican avocado imports in 2022?

Avocado cultivation in Michoacan state is associated with issues of crime and violence due to the presence of cartels.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

"Kenyan companies can invest in irrigation and green technology for sustainable avocado production, as highlighted by the example of Kakuzi's use of dams to collect rainfall for irrigation."

Title:

Content: Sustainable farming holds the key to economic prosperity

Agriculture holds the key to economic transformation for Kenya and the East African region. However, the challenge lies in practising sustainable agriculture to unlock its true value from food production to agro-processing.

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) takes place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as a region and human race, we have many challenges ahead.

Some, are brought on by climate change, population pressure and political or financial instability within our economic and geopolitical space. Still, as a country and region, we have many unique advantages including political goodwill which, if used wisely, will allow us to build a robust agricultural economy.

Let me start by dealing with a favourite topic of mine, irrigation and water security. At Kakuzi, we have 19 dams which collect rainfall - allowing us to use the water for irrigation during dry season.

The critical part of our water security is not just the dam but the catchment itself.

If we don’t preserve the water catchment fields, our dams won’t fill with water, or they could silt up. In short, sustainable and secure irrigation requires that we sacrifice something, in this case, acres and acres of land, which act as water catchment areas.

These fields are preserved with natural habitat and managed to avoid soil erosion, bush clearance or overgrazing. In these fields, we must overcome the temptation to dig up the land and plant crops.

The next key challenge for agriculture after water is energy and not just the cost but also availability. In Kenya, our key export crop of tea requires energy to turn it from lush green leaves to dry tea; bear in mind that 4.5 kilos of green leaf converts to 1 kilo of black tea as the rest is water.  As we encourage farmers to grow more green tea leaves, we must also consider how to dry leaves.

-Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

In every tea-growing country, the energy for drying tea is a significant issue, whether it’s coal in India, gas in Bangladesh or fuel wood for us in East and Central Africa. Engineers have calculated the energy required, and it’s staggering. We must find sustainable solutions for this, as it’s not an easy or quick fix.

We all know the impact of energy prices on fertiliser, which is just another reason why we need to minimise our use wherever we can. Composting and mulching at Kakuzi to improve soil health and enhance soil fertility is a crucial component of our agricultural practices. Given that only 10 per cent of a macadamia nut is the edible kernel, a lot of biomass is available for conversion to energy or compost.

Teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques and when to apply different nutrients and in what quantities is part of what we do. Our online avocado academy ‘Kakuzi Avocademy’ is designed as an e-learning portal for farmers. Through the e-learning platform, we strive to advance shared prosperity values allowing smallholder farmers to learn and make the best crop husbandry decisions.

For many years now, I have been saying that we must explain how farmers can sell their fruit for the best value before we can tell them to plant an avocado tree.

Unfortunately, the fact is that the supply-demand equation for a perishable product such as avocados is a reality. Produce a product with limited marketability in a period of oversupply at your peril. This is precisely what happened in the avocado market earlier this year.

An oversupply of fruit in Europe through large Peruvian shipments and late European and North African production meant minimal marketing options for Kenyan smallholder fruit.

As I mentioned above, discerning customers choosing to eat a superfood such as macadamia or avocado want to know what they are eating and how it was produced. This is not because good Kenyan fruit is of substandard quality but simply because a lot of fruit from the country doesn’t have traceability credentials. If we as producers cannot demonstrate these traceability credentials, then high-value markets are limited and becoming more so.

We should also avoid the trap of thinking that emerging markets in the far east are less stringent than our traditional European markets. Sending substandard fruit to an emerging market can only depress demand, not enhance it.

Further up in the Rift Valley in the tea fields of Nandi and beyond, agricultural interest, mainly crop diversification, is also rising. The number of people seeking advice on avocado and macadamia potential in the region predominantly known for tea is growing.

Undoubtedly, this is the best time to get on the agribusiness side of things. As the name suggests, agribusiness means agricultural production for consumption and sale to raise much-needed financial resources. Like any other business, Agri-preneurs must carefully consider profit and loss fundamentals.

Considering profit and loss means engaging the investing community in the agricultural space to appreciate the role of credit access, mechanisation, technology and human resource management for efficiency.

Having been on the agricultural front my entire life, I can attest to this field-based industry’s value and potential to power rapid economic transformation. Kakuzi is an example of a leading agribusiness firm involved in commercial agricultural endeavours, including livestock rearing and agroforestry beyond our renowned avocado and macadamia production.

In Kenya, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda 2022 - 2027 rightly notes that the agricultural sector has the highest growth multiplier effect on other economic sectors due to strong backward and forward linkages. There can be no denying that agriculture is our most globally competitive sector but getting it right is complex. Patience, long-term thinking and getting the fundamentals of sustainability, quality and traceability correct is the key.

Sometimes numbers tell the value of an agricultural enterprise better. For example, last year, notwithstanding the challenges of an “OFF” year cycle, Kakuzi PLC exported  Sh94 million worth of HASS avocados for our smallholder farmers. The previous ON-year cycle had seen us ship HASS Avocado cartons worth Sh152. 2 million for smallholder farmers.

In this venture geared at supporting smallholder farmers access quality international markets, we made payouts amounting to more than Sh31.4 million for the smallholder farmers from Kakuzi’s local community in Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru and Trans-Nzoia counties.

This is but one of the proof points that agribusiness is a viable economic avenue that can empower our farmers if we do it correctly.

However, we must remain alive to the vagaries of climate change as a risk factor to agricultural production and work towards building resilience.

Chris Flowers is the Kakuzi Managing Director.

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What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns related to avocado cultivation.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, which can help unlock the true value of food production and agro-processing.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, such as preserving water catchment fields and managing them to avoid soil erosion and overgrazing.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers promote sustainable agriculture practices like composting and mulching to address environmental concerns.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Some farmers and NGOs promote sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns, which involves teaching farmers sustainable techniques and responsible use of resources.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

"It takes approximately 320 liters of water to grow one avocado, as reported by DanWatch, an independent Danish investigative media."

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

"It takes 320 liters of water to grow one avocado."

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Governments can promote sustainable avocado farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes reducing water use and chemical use.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices to reduce the climate impact of avocado farming by teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices to mitigate the climate impact of avocado farming, which includes developing innovative solutions and seeds that are resilient to climate change.

Title:

Content: Climate change's threat to agriculture sparks new U.S. deal with Europe

·Senior Editor
·3 min read

GLASGOW, Scotland — A major focus at this year's U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP26) has been the impact that global warming will have on agriculture and food production in the coming decades.

In his address on Monday, President Biden warned that climate change was already fueling "crop failures" in some regions in the world, and his agriculture secretary, Tom Vilsack, put the issue in even starker terms.

"The climate crisis threatens to disrupt food systems around the globe, exacerbate food insecurity and negatively impact farmers' livelihoods," Vilsack said.

En route to COP26, Vilsack and his European Union counterpart Janusz Wojciechowski announced a new transatlantic collaboration Wednesday to help ensure global food sustainability.

"Climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of our farmers in deep and profound ways, from extreme weather volatility, to severe drought, to flooding, to wildfires and other catastrophic events that threaten our towns, cities and communities," Vilsack said of the agreement. "We must rise to the challenge."

Climate scientist Peter Gleick, an expert on how global warming is affecting the hydrologic cycle, told Yahoo News that "higher temperatures mean the demand for water is higher. The loss of water from our reservoirs evaporating off is higher. The demand for water from agricultural crops is greater."

The Environmental Protection Agency notes on its website that "greenhouse gases and climate change affect agricultural producers greatly because agriculture and fisheries depend on specific climate conditions. Temperature changes can cause habitat ranges and crop planting dates to shift, and droughts and floods due to climate change may hinder farming practices."

As climate change continues to affect Earth's water cycle, it is being blamed for bringing southern Madagascar to the brink of famine, threatening the health of nearly 1 million people.

"I have seen people eating cactus leaves, insects, and surviving upon nothing, and the lack of water is probably the most striking element," Arduino Mangoni, deputy country director of the World Food Programme in Madagascar, told ABC News.

A range of consequences from climate change are threatening agriculture worldwide, from widespread drought across the Western U.S. to the possible disruption of the mid-Atlantic current that could cause temperatures in Northern Europe to plunge, making it inhospitable for many crops.

Vilsack, however, said the U.S.'s partnership with the EU would seek to bolster agricultural resilience in the two regions.

“We believe that science and innovation will bring about a more sustainable agriculture. We must work together to devise systems and solutions that are good for agricultural producers, good for consumers, good for businesses, good for our communities and good for our planet," Vilsack said. "This includes fair and open markets at the local, regional and international levels that bolster food security and sustainable food systems."

On Monday, Microsoft founder Bill Gates said he would support the production of new kinds of seeds that could be more resilient to climate change, benefiting small farmers in places like Africa.

"We're announcing $315 million over the next three years for the seed consortium, which is called the CG System. That makes the seeds for all the different countries, and the big priority for that money will be seeds that can be even more productive despite the challenge of climate change," Gates said in an interview with Voice of America.

Gates said he was inspired to act after seeing firsthand that "in Africa, the farmers were often having a more difficult time. And so they're already facing these difficulties, which will get significantly worse between now and the end of the century."

_____

Global temperatures are on the rise and have been for decades. Step inside the data and see the magnitude of climate change.

____

Read more from Yahoo News:

· Climate change is wreaking havoc on the Earth's water cycle

· Poll: Nearly a quarter of U.S. parents say COVID has forced their kids to quarantine this school year

· Everything you need to know about COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland

'The Climate Crisis Podcast': Navigating a planet on the brink

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Governments can promote sustainable farming practices, such as composting and mulching, to mitigate the climate impact of avocado farming.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with its popularity increasing greatly in recent years due to its health benefits.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

The avocado market has been growing substantially over the last two decades, with large farmers dominating the market in Peru since the 1990s.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

The avocado market has experienced substantial growth over the last two decades, driven by the partnership between Mexico and the United States, and facilitated by the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

How have avocado prices changed in recent years?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

The avocado market has experienced substantial growth over the last two decades, driven by trade agreements and increased exports from Mexico to the United States.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

How have avocado prices changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What are the positive effects of the global demand for avocados on the countries and regions that produce and export them?

The trend reflecting consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices is Climate Aware, driven by growing concerns about the environmental impact of food sources, particularly climate change.

Title:

Content: Food technology - an indispensable re-industrialization puzzle
Author: Tang Xiwei
Published: Updated:
The Reindustrialisation Research Report, a collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, focuses on three economies of similar size to Hong Kong ’ s economy and population – Israel, Singapore and Switzerland.
Recently, the Singapore government and the Israeli government signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on artificial intelligence, and advocated to strengthen cooperation in areas such as agricultural technology and food technology.
When a small, open economy like Hong Kong, like Singapore, is in danger, re-imagining its own positioning in the global economy in the post-pandemic era and planning for a new direction of development, should Hong Kong think about how to advance to high-end technology industries?
In fact, food manufacturing and processing have always played an important role in the Hong Kong economy. Although the proportion of manufacturing in the Hong Kong economy has continued to decline, the food manufacturing industry in Hong Kong has continued to expand, and many traditional food manufacturers have used the established brands to expand from the local market to the world.
One of the five major industries of re-industrialisation in Hong Kong, some of which I have mentioned are closely related to food manufacturing, such as health products and plant foods.
In the eyes of global consumers, Hong Kong ’ s food manufacturers are regarded as quality producers with good reputation and high safety standards.
Rethinking the food supply chain from the coronavirus and the geopolitical crisis
In the past two years, due to the epidemic, factory shutdowns, port congestion, and a wave of resignation in Western society, the global supply chain has been seriously affected, and many products are in short supply and prices have risen.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be tense, leading to soaring food and raw material prices, food shortages and severe inflation in many economies, and the era of global stagflation has begun.
As a result, governments will step up efforts to ensure the security of food and its supply chain, which opens up many potential opportunities for food technology.
Pamela Lee, Director of Policy and Planning at the National Climate Change Secretariat of the Prime Minister ’ s Office of Singapore, said Singapore wanted to use innovation and technology to overcome food safety challenges and use cell-based meat to find solutions for future human health and sustainability.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food sources they eat and the impact on the planet, especially climate change.
Deforestation due to crop cultivation and livestock farming increases carbon emissions, as well as pollution such as fertilizer and methane emissions, impacting sustainable development.
In addition, consumer health awareness has increased, and demand for organic and plant-based foods has increased.
According to an August 2021 study by Bloomberg News, plant-based foods will rise nearly 5.5 times in a decade and will account for 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, worth more than US $162 billion.
To achieve carbon neutrality, countries need to promote policies through the market to more effectively promote the development of new food raw materials, vertical agriculture, laboratory meat and plant diets.
In addition, agricultural technology is booming, leveraging Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies to improve transparency and accessibility for food producers and consumers, and rapidly improve resource management and productivity.
Many traditional food manufacturers take advantage of brands established over the years to expand from local markets to global markets.
Food technology innovation in Hong Kong is not in the ascendant
While the share of manufacturing value added in Hong Kong ’ s economy is rapidly shrinking, the “food, beverage and tobacco products industry ” has become increasingly important, with its share of manufacturing industry increasing from 4.4% in 1973 to 34.1% in 2019. The number of people employed in the tobacco manufacturing industry increased from 30,037 to 34,053.
In addition, in the eyes of global consumers, food manufacturers in Hong Kong are often regarded as quality producers with good reputation and high safety standards.
Taking advantage of Hong Kong ’ s existing competitive edge in the food industry and effectively applying Industry 4.0 and other new industrial technologies will surely bring new opportunities to Hong Kong ’ s economy.
Since the 2016 policy address of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), many Hong Kong-owned manufacturers in mainland China, including some food manufacturers, have planned to relocate some or even all of their production processes back to Hong Kong.
However, lack of land and building area constraints, as well as high production costs in Hong Kong, have affected manufacturers ’ plans.
Some manufacturers hope that the Hong Kong Government and relevant associations can help the industry to establish a food production industrial park and provide low-cost venues and supporting facilities to support the industry's further development in Hong Kong.
They also stressed that they hope that the industrial park will allow them to share resources such as logistics, water supply and environmentally friendly sewage treatment, helping to further share production costs and ultimately create a win-win situation for the government, the food industry and consumers.
“Made in Hong Kong ” brand carries Hong Kong ’ s reputation for food safety and quality, thanks to Hong Kong ’ s well-established food safety regulatory framework and legal system.
Therefore, industry stakeholders expect the Government to make good use of the “Made in Hong Kong ” brand, while manufacturers focus on developing technologies that bring high added value.
Using Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, advanced food manufacturing will be able to become one of the driving forces behind Hong Kong ’ s reindustrialisation.
The share of the manufacturing industry in Hong Kong's economy has continued to decline, but the food manufacturing industry in Hong Kong has continued to expand.
For example, a well-known Cantonese restaurant company, based on various automation technologies, jointly designed the first intelligent Cantonese food production line with the Productivity Bureau to reduce labor consumption and use intelligent technology, including CPPS, IIoT, real-time data collection (including production, equipment, quality and energy data) and human-machine interface (HMI) for real-time monitoring to improve quality and production efficiency. And...
A local traditional Chinese bakery has also set up an intelligent production line to automate the process of producing different Chinese cakes.
They specifically use sensors instead of human hands for temperature monitoring, which greatly improves occupational safety and reduces labor force.
A long-established beverage manufacturer in Hong Kong has used radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve transportation and distribution efficiency and improve cargo transportation and handling facilities.
Since the start of the project, the average number of trucks loaded per working day and the utilization rate of the loading area have increased by 8% to 10%, while the average loading time and waiting time have decreased by 13% to 14%.
In addition, companies can collect real-time data to help management make timely decisions.
In summary, the food industry covers a wide range of fields, including agriculture and fisheries, vegetarian food, cultured meat, food manufacturing technology, plastic packaging, testing and certification, logistics and sales, food waste treatment and so on.
There is plenty of room to apply innovative technologies in different fields to improve productivity.
Tang Xiwei
Professor of Economics, School of Economics, The University of Hong Kong; Deputy Director, Asia Global Institute
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Consumer expectations for transparency around sustainable food practices are reflected in the Climate Aware trend, which is a predicted food trend for 2023.

Title:

Content: FOOD

Trend Report New Zealand CREDIT: Village PR

TREND REPORT 2023: A balancing act in the grocery aisles

Thursday 19 January 2023, 3:38AM
By Village PR
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United Fresh (www.unitedfresh.co.nz) has over 30 years of experience supporting and promoting the New Zealand fresh produce industry, working with the entire value chain, from seed producer and grower to consumer, providing leadership on pan-produce issues.

This report is their sixth annual Trend Report for New Zealand.

Set to impact our 2023 shopping are restricted budgets, the need for balanced health and wellbeing, and the occasional small indulgence.

While the triple threat of inflation, international war and global supply chain issues will dominate household decision-making for the coming months as the realities of post-lockdown recovery set in, Kiwi shoppers have also started to prioritise investing in their health. Demand has surged for products high in beneficial nutrients and products that offer to improve the planet's health. In the fruit and vegetable aisle alone, 35 per cent of consumers surveyed towards the end of last year reported increasing their spend on fresh produce for health reasons.

In the same survey, almost half of all shoppers (45 per cent) believed their purchase behaviour had changed in the last 12 months. Supermarkets and small retailers around the country have noticed these consumer behaviour shifts, shaping our pick of the top trends to watch for in 2023.

The Copycat Cook

With budgets tight, eating out is one of the first luxuries likely to be trimmed from weekly household expenses. Yet, Kiwi shoppers still yearn for the unique flavour combinations offered at their favourite restaurants or take-away. Enter the copycat trend – driven by social media channels featuring recipes that mimic the dishes served by famous chefs or easy 'fake-away' hits like fried cauliflower. Home cooks are keen to try preparing restaurant-quality food without the cost or the added calories and salt. This trend has also been born out of a renewed confidence in the kitchen from spending so much time at home and has seen an increase in adventurous palates as people become bored of the same old family dinners.

Along with perfecting that restaurant flavour, a desire to create authentic dishes is also on the rise. Recipes for food made 'the old-fashioned way' from scratch or ethnic specialties like aromatic curries and fermented vegetables are high on the list for home cooks looking to expand their repertoire.

Climate Aware

Concern for the climate has been a trend for several years, and it's not going anywhere. If anything, the extreme weather events that the country's fruit and vegetable growers have battled with have brought home the impact of our changing climate.

Yet, despite the challenges in dialling back our emissions, a recent survey showed that 64 per cent of Kiwi shoppers are unwilling to pay a premium for fruit and vegetables with sustainable practices.

However, consumer expectations for sustainability are rising. Expect demand for food producers and retailers to increase transparency around sustainable food practices and invest more in packaging initiatives to be a key trend this year.

Cultivated or plant-based 'meat' will continue to increase in popularity and decrease in price. Still, interestingly, despite the benefits to the planet, overseas research shows that shoppers selected plant-based 'meat' for health reasons 16 times more than they did for sustainability reasons.

Climate campaigners should look to connect the twin goals of personal health and financial wellbeing with climate-positive actions to take advantage of this growing trend.

Plant-Based Pasta

Nearly every café in the country now has some sort of 'plant-based' dish in the cabinet, but pasta is the latest food category to be conquered by this planet-friendly movement.

Overseas supermarket shelves are now home to a growing range of cauliflower gnocchi, chickpea penne and zoodles created with carrots, green banana, hearts of palm, zucchini and spaghetti squash. Kiwi retailers are joining the trend, an effective way to use up excess produce, reduce waste and increase the family's vegetable consumption by adding a nutrient-dense ingredient to the evening meal.

Easy But Exciting

Meal prep kits will continue to be a significant fixture for the grocery industry this year as consumers look for quick solutions to get dinner on the table after a busy day.

Alongside our increasingly global palates, expect kits in your local shops to feature more recipes for specialty food, exciting food combinations, sustainable packaging, interactive social media links and international dishes from around the world.

Nice and ‘Swicy’

Nuanced heat that offers intense flavour with a spicy kick has been on trend for a few years, particularly as Kiwi cooks embrace the flavours of international cuisine in combination with an increasing focus on vegetables rather than meat-based meals. Bottles of hot sauce are a staple in many Kiwi households as we add a chilli boost to everything from edamame beans to peaches.

This year expect spicy to get sweet. The ‘swicy’ trend sees the hot sauce category expand into honey, spreads, confectionary, drinks and snacks. Natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, dates and coconut sugar feature as a 'healthy' sugar hit.

Global inspiration will also hit the condiments market this year with sauces, oils and seasonings featuring West African, Mexican, Spanish and Indian flavours which pair beautifully with seasonal vegetables.

Awesome Avocado Oil

No longer a niche product, avocado oil is set to be a mainstream grocery item this year. With a range of attributes, including high oleic fatty acid content and a high smoke point, this versatile oil can be used in place of others, such as canola and sunflower oil, in various dishes.

Already a favourite with health-conscious consumers, the benefits of avocado oil will spread along with the demand for nutritional products.

Retro Flavours

The nostalgia trend shifts into the grocery aisle this year as food companies take advantage of our yearning for simpler times. Comfort foods such as cauliflower cheese provide a sense of security in an increasingly disrupted world. In addition, we expect to see more of granny's favourite recipes appearing in your social media feeds.

From fruit preserves to ice blocks and vegetable quiche, retro flavours, nostalgia-filled advertising campaigns, and brand collabs will do their best to remind us all of our childhood.

TikTok already has 31.3 million views for #vintagerecipes – though many come with a modern twist, comfort food without the calories.

TikTok Trending

When asked where they get inspiration to try new recipes, 46 percent of Kiwi shoppers said online or through social media. TikTok is dominating the digital space and is expected to continue to influence over 1 billion users this year.

Cooking hacks, recipes and food trends from TikTok contributors around the world are creating new trends on an almost daily basis. And while the platform often gets publicity for the craziest viral posts, such as avocado butter boards, it's an increasingly valuable platform for sharing innovative ideas.

Recent creators who make their own alternative milk have been exploring ways to use the leftover nut and oat pulp at home, and food producers are also entering this space. Upcycling food by-products like this offers vital alternatives to the world's ballooning food waste problem, and platforms like TikTok are increasingly crucial in the innovation space.

Flextipple Fun

Just as flexitarians alternate between meat and vegan lifestyles, many also embrace the flextipple trend by increasing the amount of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages they consume on a night out.

Booze-free fruit cocktails and RTDs are taking off as newly health-conscious shoppers look for fun, tasty and exotic alternatives to wine, beer and spirits.

Expect greater ranges of RTDs that feature exciting flavour combinations and carefully curated lifestyle marketing campaigns and an increase in spritzes that offer a diluted option to traditional booze.

ENDS

Research:

5+ A Day Charitable Trust Awareness and Consumption Survey conducted by NielsenIQ, September 2022

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/2023-food-trends-to-watch/

https://www.delish.com/food-news/g42189523/food-trends-2023/

https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/these-top-food-trend-predictions-for-2023-are-coming-in-hot/#slide=159854-159855-7

https://vegconomist.com/market-and-trends/industry-leaders-predictions-2023-1/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/10-biggest-food-trends-2023-210000628.html

https://progressivegrocer.com/what-are-top-specialty-food-trends-2023

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8018334/top-10-food-nutrition-trends-2023/

https://www.bhg.com/food-trends-2023-6750997

https://www.thewickednoodle.com/food-trends/

https://www.bidfood.co.uk/2023-food-and-drink-trends/

For more information, visit https://www.unitedfresh.co.nz/ or join us on LinkedIn.

Avocado production is associated with several environmental concerns, including deforestation and soil erosion, which can lead to severe environmental damage and depletion of local water supplies.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

"The environmental concerns associated with avocado production include deforestation and soil erosion, particularly in countries like Mexico where the avocado mafia's activities have led to these issues."

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries, with Mexico being the largest producer.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries like Mexico, Chile, and Peru, where it has significant environmental impacts, including water depletion and deforestation.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Avocados are primarily cultivated in developing countries, which has significant environmental and social implications due to the high demand for avocados in developed countries.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

Avocados are primarily cultivated in developing countries, with countries like Kenya and Peru being involved in the avocado market.

What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

Avocado is primarily cultivated in developing countries, with Mexico being the world's largest producer.

Title:

Content: Lifestyle
Study: Climate change threatens avocados
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Thank you for reading about the study: Climate change threatens avocados and now we start with the details
Activists have called for more support for avocado farmers, with a study released by the international charity Christian Aid (Christian Aid) revealing that climate change is having a “terrible impact ” on fruit.
The highly useful and popular fruit, which is high in fiber and healthy fats, requires a lot of water to grow, making it particularly vulnerable in a hotter, drier world.
A study by FAO showed that the best farming regions in countries such as Burundi, Chile, Peru, Spain, South Africa and Mexico are experiencing declines in productivity due to more volatile conditions.
The study, published yesterday, showed that these regions are expected to decline by between 14% and 41% by 2050, depending on how quickly emissions are reduced in the world.
Mexico, the world ’ s largest producer of avocado, could see a 31% decline in cultivated areas by 2050.
Christian Aid called on governments to commit to urgently reducing emissions, accelerating the energy transition and committing to more climate aid for developing countries.
The charity also called for more financial support to vulnerable farming communities that rely on avocado cultivation for a living, so they can invest in mitigation measures.
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What are the countries and regions that produce and export avocados?

The rising demand for avocados has led to the emergence of cartels controlling the production and distribution, resulting in harmful environmental effects and potential illegal land acquisition.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

increased criminal activity
land grabbing
displacement of local communities

Cartels are involved in illegal land acquisition for avocado farming in Mexico, using violence and intimidation to control production and distribution.

What illegal activities have surfaced in avocado trade in recent years?

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

increased criminal activity
land grabbing
displacement of local communities

Cartels are involved in illegal land acquisition for avocado farming in Mexico, posing a threat to local livelihoods and contributing to the environmental and social concerns surrounding the rising demand for avocados.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the social structure and the economy of the countries that produce them?

increased criminal activity
land grabbing
displacement of local communities

Avocado farming in Michoacan, Mexico has caused significant environmental damage, including depleted local water supplies, deforestation, soil erosion, and chemical contamination of water sources.

What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?