The global demand for avocados has increased exponentially over the past decade, with the US being the world's leader in avocado consumption.

The increasing demand for avocados has led to a significant expansion of avocado production in countries such as Mexico, which supplies 80% of avocados eaten in the US.

The economic benefits of avocado production have been substantial, with the US economic output of imported avocados from Mexico increasing by 500%.

However, the growing demand for avocados has also raised environmental concerns, such as deforestation and water use, with avocado production consuming about 1,000 liters of water per kilogram.

Avocado cultivation has been linked to deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity, with the transportation of avocados also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

The social effects of the rising demand for avocados on local farming communities have been complex, with 300,000 workers in Michoacán depending on the avocado industry.

Despite the challenges, the global avocado market continues to grow, with European avocado imports rising by 23% in 2023.

The US market is dominated by Mexican and Peruvian supplies, with Mexican supplies accounting for 40% of the US market and Peruvian supplies accounting for 24%.

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on avocado production, with the crop being reduced by 41% by 2050 due to hotter and drier climate.

The area suitable for growing avocados is expected to be reduced by 14-41% by 2050, with Mexico potentially losing 59% of its land suitable for growing avocados.

To mitigate the environmental impacts of avocado production, consumers can play a role in promoting sustainable practices by demanding responsibly sourced avocados and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability.

Sustainable avocado farming practices can reduce water use, and governments can promote these practices with financial incentives.

Teaching farmers sustainable techniques and providing them with the necessary resources can help mitigate the environmental impacts of avocado production.

Agribusiness can empower farmers through sustainable practices, contributing to economic transformation.

The impact of climate change on avocado production can be mitigated by reducing emissions, and governments are urged to commit to climate aid and provide financial support to farming communities.

Vulnerable communities rely on avocado cultivation for their livelihoods, and the effects of climate change on avocado production can have significant social implications.

Consumers may not be willing to pay higher prices for climate-smart practices, highlighting the need for sustainable and affordable production methods.

Avocado production is a globally traded crop, mainly produced by smallholder farmers, and changes in climate can affect farmers and consumers worldwide.

Shifting cultivation to different regions can help adapt to climate change, but this may require significant investments in infrastructure and resources.

Sustainable irrigation requires preserving water catchment areas, and companies can build dams using natural runoff for irrigation to reduce their environmental impact.

Composting and mulching can improve soil health and fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and mitigating the environmental concerns associated with avocado production.

Avocado farming exploits migrant workers and indigenous communities, highlighting the need for fair labor practices and social responsibility in the avocado industry.

The economic benefits of avocado production can be significant, with avocado value generating $82.8 million in 2021, but production decreased from four tons to two tons per acre between 2020 and 2021 due to climate change.

Farmers need help securing water and building reservoirs to adapt to the changing climate, and governments can play a crucial role in providing support and resources.

The carbon footprint of avocado transportation contributes to the high environmental impact of avocado production, and companies can reduce their emissions by implementing sustainable transportation methods.

The price of avocados soared to $2.1 in California by 2019, and drought and wildfires affect California avocado production, highlighting the need for climate-resilient production practices.

Avocado farming requires significant labor and resources, and indigenous people cannot afford avocados due to high demand, emphasizing the need for fair labor practices and social responsibility.

Some restaurants replace avocados with alternative ingredients due to the high environmental impact of avocado production, highlighting the need for sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives.

The global demand for avocados has increased exponentially over the past decade, with the US being the world's leader in avocado consumption.

Title:

Content: Avocados From Mexico® Celebrates 10 Years of Goodness

Published: Oct. 20, 2023 at 7:30 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago

The leading avocado brand in the U.S. shares its 10 biggest impacts from a decade of innovation in the produce industry

DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From making the U.S. the world's leader in avocado consumption, to creating an avocado brand in a brandless category and debuting the first-ever commercial about a fruit during the Big Game: Avocados From Mexico® has paved a fresh path in the produce marketing industry.

Avocados From Mexico, the #1 selling brand of avocados in the U.S., has spent ten years building a brand that is: always good, always good for you1, fun and delicious. With bold marketing that drives demand, strategic partnerships with CPG brands and a robust seasonal strategy all year, Avocados From Mexico has become known as a disruptive, world-class marketer and innovation powerhouse.

This October marks the 10th anniversary of Avocados From Mexico. While attending the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) trade show this week, Avocados From Mexico is celebrating this milestone, and the strategy that has defined the past decade of growth. The brand released its top 10 impacts since becoming a brand, along with an infographic that shares exactly what the brand has been cooking up for a decade and the results of some truly delicious innovations.

"This anniversary is a major milestone for Avocados From Mexico," said Avocados From Mexico President and CEO, Alvaro Luque. "We are celebrating 10 years of goodness, 10 years of growth, 10 years of driving demand for avocados in the U.S., 10 years of relentless passion for innovation, strong performance and fun. I'm so proud of all we have done, and I truly can't wait to see what we can accomplish next."

The fruits of the brand's decade of labor include:

  • Avocados From Mexico is the preferred brand of avocados in the U.S. The brand nearly tripled brand preference, reaching more than 50%.2
  • In 2015, the brand became the first produce brand to advertise during the Big Game, highlighting the synergy between avocados and football season.
  • In 2020, the brand was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by FastCompany, and in 2021, was #1 in FastCompany's Most Innovative Companies in the world in the branding category.
  • The brand also more than doubled the U.S. avocado market; now eight out of 10 avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico.3
  • The brand created a win-win story between two countries. The U.S. economic output of imported avocados from Mexico has increased more than 500% and its U.S. GDP is up five times to more than $6.1B annually.4
  • Avocados From Mexico reinvented shopper marketing, achieving growth in household penetration by six million new households and 19% growth in purchase frequency.
  • The brand avo-educated U.S. foodservice operators and retailer partners through Avocado University, the 1st and only certified avocado education program.
  • Avocados From Mexico also freshened up menus with avocados, seeing 20% growth in foodservice market share and in menu penetration.5

"In ten years, Avocados From Mexico has become the top-selling, most recognized avocado brand in the U.S. and the most innovative company in produce marketing. I would like to thank our employees, growers, packers, importers and partners, who have laid the groundwork for our success and have built the path for the bright future ahead of us," said Luque.

For 10 years, Avocados From Mexico has built a platform on goodness. Goodness for consumers, by bringing more high-quality, nutritious avocados to their tables at home and in restaurants. Goodness for the retailers, by supporting them with innovative marketing and growing the market. Goodness for the environment by embedding sustainable practices into the avocado industry, and goodness with fun times. The brand is always good, for everyone the brand touches, for the first 10 years, and the next.

To learn more about Avocados From Mexico, visit https://avocadosfrommexico.com, Facebook (facebook.com/avocadosfrommexico), Instagram (@avocadosfrommexico) or Twitter (@AvosFromMexico).

About Avocados From Mexico
Avocados From Mexico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers & Packers of Mexico (APEAM) have combined resources to fund and manage Avocados From Mexico, with the intent to provide a focused, highly- effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. Avocados From Mexico is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Sources

  1. Fresh avocados are a heart-healthy fruit. They provide naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Source: https://avocadosfrommexico.com/avocado-nutrition/
  2. Hall & Partners Brand Tracking
  3. Hass Avocado Board Volume Data
  4. Texas A&M: The Economic Benefits of U.S. Avocado Imports from Mexico, 2022 Update
  5. Technomic: Volumetric Study, Dec 2022

View original content to download multimedia:

SOURCE Avocados From Mexico

The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

The increasing demand for avocados has led to a significant expansion of avocado production in countries such as Mexico, which supplies 80% of avocados eaten in the US.

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.

How has avocado consumption 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 economic benefits of avocado production have been substantial, with the US economic output of imported avocados from Mexico increasing by 500%.

How has avocado consumption 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?

However, the growing demand for avocados has also raised environmental concerns, such as deforestation and water use, with avocado production consuming about 1,000 liters of water per kilogram.

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?

Avocado cultivation has been linked to deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity, with the transportation of avocados also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

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

The social effects of the rising demand for avocados on local farming communities have been complex, with 300,000 workers in Michoacán depending on the avocado industry.

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

Despite the challenges, the global avocado market continues to grow, with European avocado imports rising by 23% in 2023.

Title:

Content: Avocado imports rise in Europe, decline in China

More News Top Stories

Specialized intelligence company Avobook's week 29 report noted interesting movements in the global avocado market.

European avocado imports saw a 23% rise compared to the same week in 2023. Interestingly, the report points out that this has not induced a price reduction.

. The interesting thing, the report points out, is that this has not induced a price reduction.

Something different can be observed in China, where arrivals from Peru have decreased by more than half year-on-year. Peruvian supplies usually dominate the market at this time of the year.

In the case of the United States, Avobook explains that Mexican supplies account for 40% of the market, while California's account for 28%, and Peru's, 24%. The scenario in the U.S. market shows slightly lower prices than the previous week in all grades.

Review the full report here.

The Global Avocado Summit, organized by the Chilean Avocado Committee and the Yentzen Group, will be held on November 21 at the Casino Monticello event center in Chile.

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How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

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

The US market is dominated by Mexican and Peruvian supplies, with Mexican supplies accounting for 40% of the US market and Peruvian supplies accounting for 24%.

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on avocado production, with the crop being reduced by 41% by 2050 due to hotter and drier climate.

Title:

Content: By 2050, avocados will begin to disappear on Earth: prices for the rest will soar to the skies
Researchers have found that the amount of one of the most popular fruits on the planet could be significantly reduced by the middle of the century.
Related video
Bad news for millennials and other avocado toast aficionados: the world-famous fruit is in jeopardy.
Scientists believe that by the middle of the century in the best regions of the world, the growth of the avocado harvest can be reduced by an incredible 41%, writes the Daily Mail.
Avocado is a superproduct, but is also known for its environmental impact due to the need for plenty of water during growth.
As a result, the cultivation of the fruit was threatened in the climate crisis due to climate change, which hit our planet.
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Scientists predict that by 2050, the amount of the crop could be reduced by more than 40% due to the vulnerability of the fruit in a hotter, drier and more prone to drought world.
This is stated in a new report by the London-based charity Christian Aid.
According to Mariana Paoli, head of global advocacy at Christian Aid, avocado may be a superfood, but its kryptonite is climate change.
This fruit is one of the most popular and useful in the world, but it is not suitable for a hot and drought-prone climate.
Alas, this climate is exactly where we are heading in the climate crisis.
Note that avocado is nutritious, contains useful fats, vitamins and minerals necessary for human health.
The fruit also contains a large amount of fiber and vitamins, and therefore is often considered as the main source of nutrition.
Moreover, today scientists are actively studying avocados for potential activity against diseases, including cancer.
However, scientists recognize that if humanity fails to stop or slow down climate change, the planet will experience periods of prolonged heat.
In this case, it will be difficult for the trees to grow and tie the fruits.
As a result, the world will lose almost half of today ’ s avocado crop.
In addition, some of the world ’ s most productive avocado regions will shrink simply because the land will become too arid.
The study also says that avocados are not the only product that will suffer as a result of climate change.
The authors of the report also argue that products such as coffee and cashews will be in a vulnerable position.
According to the report, by the middle of the century, the area suitable for growing avocados will be reduced by 14-41% worldwide.
At the same time, a key region in the world in Mexico could lose 59% of the land suitable for growing avocados, even if the global average temperature remains below 2 ° C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Previously, Focus wrote that the superfood of tomorrow can be a very poisonous plant.

The area suitable for growing avocados is expected to be reduced by 14-41% by 2050, with Mexico potentially losing 59% of its land suitable for growing avocados.

To mitigate the environmental impacts of avocado production, consumers can play a role in promoting sustainable practices by demanding responsibly sourced avocados and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability.

Title:

Content: Latest research on the future of coffee
The news is not entirely optimistic!
Science and Technology
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The world could lose half of the best coffee-growing land under a moderate climate change scenario.
Brazil, which is currently the world ’ s largest coffee producer, will see a 79% reduction in the most suitable coffee-growing land.
This is one of the key findings of a new study by scientists in Switzerland, who assessed the potential impacts of climate change on coffee, cashews and avocados.
These three crops are important globally traded crops produced mainly by smallholder farmers in the tropics.
Coffee is by far the most important with expected revenues of $460 billion (£344 billion) in 2022, while avocado and cashew figures are $13 billion and $6 billion respectively.
While coffee mainly acts as a stimulating drink, avocado and cashew nuts are widely consumed food crops and are rich in monounsaturated vegetable oils and other beneficial nutrients.
The main message of the new study is that projected climate changes are likely to lead to significant reductions in the amount of land suitable for growing these crops in some of the key areas where they are currently grown.
This in turn can affect both farmers and consumers around the world.
So far, most research on the future impacts of climate change on food has focused on staple crops such as wheat, maize, potatoes and oilseeds grown in temperate regions.
This reflected a tendency for climate scientists to focus on the potentially severe impacts of climate change on temperate ecosystems, particularly due to changing temperatures and rainfall patterns.
In contrast, there has been little work on tropical ecosystems that make up about 40% of the global land area where more than 3 billion people live, with up to 1 billion more expected to do so by the 1950s.
The tropics also maintain vast reservoirs of biodiversity, as well as areas for growing many important crops that provide income and food for their human populations.
The new research confirms and significantly expands the findings from the relatively small number of current studies on coffee, cashew and avocado crops.
An important innovation in the study is to examine land and soil parameters as well as purely climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation patterns.
This enables them to provide a more accurate view of future impacts that may significantly alter the suitability of some tropical regions to grow particular crops due to changes in factors such as soil pH or texture.
The new study complements other recent research into palm oil.
Although controversial and often linked to deforestation, palm oil remains one of the most important tropical crops in terms of human nutrition, helping to feed more than 3 billion people.
Dennis J. Murphy, professor of biotechnology and head of genomics and computational biology research at the University of South Wales, and colleagues recently reviewed several modeling analyses of how climate change affects the overall incidence of disease and death in oil palm.
The firm conclusion was that the rate of tree death is likely to increase significantly after 2050, potentially eliminating many crops in the Americas.
In addition, the incidence of major leg rot disease is expected to increase significantly across Southeast Asia.
Collectively, these studies are beginning to reveal the astonishing extent and complexity of climate change impacts and associated factors on some of the most growing crops in the tropics.
More importantly, impacts will not be evenly distributed and some regions may benefit from climate change.
For example, parts of China, Argentina and the United States are likely to become more suitable for coffee cultivation just as the likes of Brazil and Colombia see their land becoming less suitable.
Many of these changes are likely to be “locked in ” for at least the rest of this century, regardless of the slow and disappointing response of world leaders in terms of curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Therefore, it will be necessary for us to adapt to the changes taking place in the tropics, for example by shifting the cultivation of certain crops to different regions where the climate impacts will be more moderate.
However, it seems likely that whatever mitigation measures are adopted, many tropical crops will become scarcer and therefore more expensive in the future.
As far as coffee is concerned, you may even go from a common daily drink to a precious drink tasted by the elite on special occasions.
Source: Science Alert
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What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Sustainable avocado farming practices can reduce water use, and governments can promote these practices with financial incentives.

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

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Teaching farmers sustainable techniques and providing them with the necessary resources can help mitigate the environmental impacts of avocado production.

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?

Agribusiness can empower farmers through sustainable practices, contributing to economic transformation.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

The impact of climate change on avocado production can be mitigated by reducing emissions, and governments are urged to commit to climate aid and provide financial support to farming communities.

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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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Vulnerable communities rely on avocado cultivation for their livelihoods, and the effects of climate change on avocado production can have significant social implications.

Consumers may not be willing to pay higher prices for climate-smart practices, highlighting the need for sustainable and affordable production methods.

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Content: Top Down Control: Danone says it will cut cow’s methane by 30 percent | TSLN.com
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Top Down Control: Danone says it will cut cow’s methane by 30 percent

Danone, a food company based in the Netherlands, announced on Jan. 17, 2023, together with the Environmental Defense Fund, a plan to drastically cut their milk providers’ methane output.

This, in an effort to meet its new climate commitment “to lower methane emissions 30 percent by 2030.”

The World Health Organization reports that in 2021, 828 million people, or 9.8 percent of the world population, are affected by hunger.

 John Tauzel, EDF’s methane leader, said “people need vital nutrition. They need economic activity to remain vital. Everything we do addresses climate change.”

Danone’s plan puts the onus directly on dairy farmers. “Danone targets a 30 percent absolute reduction in methane emissions from fresh milk used in its dairy products,” says the news release. In an e-mail Danone indicates that it will impact “heat waves” and “drought” by changes enacted on dairies.

Dr. Galen Erickson, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist, said, as far as the beef industry, “we have data showing the grasslands completely offset the emissions of cattle in some years and we are measuring more.”

When asked if the methane and carbon dioxide produced by cattle is a problem, Erickson said “some would say no.”

There is interesting research showing that methane isn’t as bad as everyone always thought, he said.

“Researchers are saying, ‘look methane isn’t a real culprit. It is degraded pretty quickly to carbon dioxide and then recycled. It hasn’t increased from old times because we have always had natural ruminant grazing in place,’”

Penn state research has shown that the plains bison were producing about 85 percent as much methane as is produced today, he said. As for the carbon dioxide increase in the past century, it is unrelated to ruminant production, he said.

Cattle that are consuming grain produce less methane per unit of energy than cattle eating straight forage, he said.

However, this is not an argument to feed more grain, he said, because the grasslands are instrumental in taking up carbon, and obviously feeding more grain in many livestock operations is not financially feasible or productive.

“In many ways, I think our current system has been optimized. We have about 95 million head in our current herd, including dairy and beef, and we produce more beef than Brazil with about 220 million head. Starting all the way at the ranch level with reproduction rates, replacement rates, the speed with which we bring cattle to market, and a faster growing and finishing method. Per cow exposed, we are the most efficient on the planet,” he said.

Neither an all-grain system or an all-grass system is the answer, he said.

 As far as reducing methane 30 percent by 2030, Erickson said food companies are trying to reduce their “carbon footprints” and are looking to the food producers to make changes.

While cattle methane emissions may be essentially a net zero, and are not “part of the problem,” if cattle methane emissions can be cut, the beef industry could be “a part of the solution,” said Erickson.

R-CALF USA’s private property rights committee chair, Shad Sullivan, said he believes the climate change movement is “anti-meat” and that the ultimate impact of climate change policies will be a loss of independent agriculture.

“The unintended impact is going to be loss of control on production,” he said. “Producers will lose control of their production methods, and will have to meet standards and be evaluated by third parties in order to enter the market system,” Top-down control rather than what he calls bottom-up control of food production will result in food insecurity, he said.

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act allocated $20 billion to farm conservation programs, Tauzel said. The EDF would like to see incentives for manure management and possibly feed additives on dairies.

Dr. Erickson said he believes in the future food companies will enact incentive programs such as this.

However, he said that historically, when incentives are introduced, after 50 percent or more of those incentivized adopt the practice, the incentive is dropped, and non-participators are instead discounted or completely unable to access the market.

He also wonders whether or not consumers will pay higher prices for “those practices they view as climate smart,” especially when they learn that beef cattle are not the climate problem they once thought. Without increased consumer spending, the companies will likely not continue incentives.

Currently the existing solutions “don’t really improve on farm yields,” Tauzel said, so incentivizing farmers may be needed, his group believes.

As to whether or not spending tax dollars may be counter-intuitive (maybe the tax dollars themselves were made in a less environmentally-friendly way than the dairy itself), he said, “Congress decides where that money comes from.”

“We have a lot of mouths to feed,” said Sullivan. “If you can’t turn non-edible forage into a highly nutrient dense food, you can’t feed the world. You can’t even feed your own family,” he said.

“Communist countries are an example of top down control. The people have lost control of their production.” This loss of control segue ways into food insecurity, then national insecurity. It’s a snowball effect, said Sullivan.

Organizations or individual ranchers might try to pass sustainability policy or “sign on” to sustainability actions, but the unintended consequence will be a movement away from the production and consumption of red meat, says Sullivan. “That’s what the term ‘sustainability’ has turned into. It’s production and consumption control,” he said.

Erickson agreed with Sullivan’s comments on the cow’s ability to turn forage that can’t be used by humans into edible protein.

“Our math says that 85 to 86 percent of all feed needs in the US beef system are forages and  products not edible for humans,” he said.

Cattle produce beef by grazing marginal lands and using by products, he said. “Ruminants are excellent at recycling.”

“You don’t get any food off that land if you don’t raise ruminants on it,” he said.

While Danone calls itself a world leader in four businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Early Life Nutrition, Medical Nutrition and Waters, it’s goals in this movement focus entirely on the people with the cows.

The Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp, insists that methane from cattle is an issue. “Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow climate change,” adding that the dairy sector can play a role in driving these reductions while ‘boosting farmer livelihoods and increasing food security and nutrition.’

 Tauzel said “if we can make meaningful reductions in methane, we can slow global warming,” which will “give us time” to address carbon dioxide, which is “harder to pull out of the atmosphere,” he said.

Tauzel said three of EDF and Danone’s goals are:

  • Demonstrate over time that the dairy sector is improving productivity per cow
  • Policy/investment in rumen research and manure research
  • Better incentives and financing for farmers to implement these projects.

His organization has found that through markets, science and policy they can bring “pragmatic solutions.”

Different manure management and enteric methane inhibiting products (feed additives to reduce methane emission) are two ideas Tauzel mentioned. He also discussed feed changes. “Are you feeding high quality forage on the feed and nutrition side, do you your cows have enough feed so you are maximizing production?”

Erickson said changing the diets of cattle is not going to decrease methane production from cattle by 50 percent. “I believe if we will cut methane from cattle by 30-50 percent, it won’t be from feed ration ingredients rations, it will be natural and chemical feed additives like Bovaer,” he said.

As far as measuring the amount of methane each cow produces, Tauzel said more research dollars are needed to determine if individually identifying and measuring each cow’s output is needed or if it can be done on a farm by farm basis. He said “more milk per cow” is the goal.

Some believe the climate change argument is being used to push a mandatory animal identification program for livestock.

Erickson said he’s not sure. “I think traceability either on groups or individuals could be a requirement for any incentive-based production system,” he said. That tracking could be done on a group basis, or individual basis, he said.

There are entire industries being built on regulation to enact “someone’s view of sustainability,” said Sullivan.

“It’s less complex than they make it. I do believe we will cut methane produced by cattle,” Erickson said. Feed additives or slight feed alterations will likely be the answer, he said, but he doesn’t expect the changes to dramatically impact performance.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Avocado production is a globally traded crop, mainly produced by smallholder farmers, and changes in climate can affect farmers and consumers worldwide.

Shifting cultivation to different regions can help adapt to climate change, but this may require significant investments in infrastructure and resources.

Sustainable irrigation requires preserving water catchment areas, and companies can build dams using natural runoff for irrigation to reduce their environmental impact.

Title:

Content: Columnists

Let’s aim at powering Kenya to top of global superfoods exports table

The global trade agenda is changing quickly from where product and price dominated the conversation to where a company’s values and purpose are intertwined and a big part of the decision to buy products.

In the international market, Kenya now takes its place as the largest avocado exporter in Africa.

Imports of Hass avocado into Europe alone last year were approximately 728,000 tonnes, and Kenyan exports accounted for 40,000 tonnes, about five percent.

But what’s our competitive advantage with other producing countries and why should consumers favour our products over others?

The world is demanding that businesses demonstrate values and purpose aligned to more than just products to climate action, sustainability, and quality agricultural practices and that we are good corporate citizens.

Despite the agricultural business complexities, we have many Kenyan companies doing the right thing and doing it well.

We need to publicise this well, whether we are the private sector, public sector, academia, or national branding agents.

This is how to explain what sets us apart. As superfood producers, we should not plant our crops in sensitive ecosystems and don’t abstract irrigation water from fragile water sources.

Firms need to invest heavily in irrigation and green technology-based systems to mitigate the worst impacts of drought.

Countries such as Israel, Australia, and the United Kingdom have done it.

Companies can build dams and fill them through natural runoff.

Still, superfood production is much more multi-dimensional than just water; it is also about being able to answer the call for climate action, amongst other vital topics.

In Kenya, we have a conducive environment to competitively and sustainably grow superfoods, including fruits and nuts such as Avocados, Macadamia, and blueberries, among others.

The superfoods bid may sound ambitious, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.

Still, we must be committed to undertaking this in a manner that enshrines the commitment to quality, sustainability and traceability.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Composting and mulching can improve soil health and fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and mitigating the environmental concerns associated with avocado production.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Avocado farming exploits migrant workers and indigenous communities, highlighting the need for fair labor practices and social responsibility in the avocado industry.

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?

displacement of local communities
labor exploitation

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

improving working conditions for employees

The economic benefits of avocado production can be significant, with avocado value generating $82.8 million in 2021, but production decreased from four tons to two tons per acre between 2020 and 2021 due to climate change.

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Content: SAN DIEGO — San Diego County is producing fewer avocados, according to its annual crop report. Farmers are having to deal with climate change issues and rising costs.

“It’s been pretty much a ride, but there’s been highs and lows,” Ben Holtz, owner of California Avocados Direct, told FOX 5 Friday.

Ben Holtz is a fourth-generation avocado farmer at the business. On 100 acres of land, the company has thousands of trees growing 19 different kinds of avocados.

But recent heat waves are making farming harder.

“Once you get over 100, they are really stressing; 108, they are tremendously stressing,” Holtz said, showing an avocado that has been sunburned. “They burn and all these little tender new growth leaves, they just shrivel and torch up. It’s like somebody took a blowtorch and a flame right to them.”

“There’s a period where after a heat spell, you got seven days until you get to hear the rain happen,” Holtz continued. “And the rain is where all the little tender fruit that the tree wants to release will start dropping on the ground.”

It has been a loss of thousands of dollars for them.

“Sometimes it’s 10% of what the tree is holding, it can be very significant,” Holtz said. “It’s a hard thing to swallow but you have to work with the highs and lows.”

Burnet Wohlford, owner of Heritage Ranch, has three farms: two in Escondido and one in Valley Center. He has hundreds of acres between the properties, growing avocadoes, grapefruit, dragon fruit, lemons and limes. He says he lost more than 60% of his avocados in 2021 due to the heat.

“We need to make the business climate a lot easier to do business here in California,” he told FOX 5.

Wohlford is also a board member of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. The report released by the county showed avocado value generated $82.8 million in 2021, down from $152.9 million in 2020.

Production also decreased, with trees producing two tons an acre in 2021, but four tons in 2020.

“I think what needs to be done is a lot more work up in Sacremento to help secure our water,” Wohlford continued. “We need to build more reservoirs actually catching the rainwater.”

Farmers said that water rates are going up and the quality is saltier.

“Unlike other industries, there’s no discount for buying more. It’s the same price for the first gallon and it is for the 10 millionth gallon,” he said. “If you want to stay in business for the longevity, got to keep doing what you’re doing if you want to survive.”

For farmers like Holtz, that means getting avocado trees that are more modern and are tested to adapt to the changing environment.

“Since we can’t change the water, now we are trying to change the tree,” Holtz said. “So, we are going to make the tree deal with water we have.”

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

Farmers need help securing water and building reservoirs to adapt to the changing climate, and governments can play a crucial role in providing support and resources.

The carbon footprint of avocado transportation contributes to the high environmental impact of avocado production, and companies can reduce their emissions by implementing sustainable transportation methods.

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

The price of avocados soared to $2.1 in California by 2019, and drought and wildfires affect California avocado production, highlighting the need for climate-resilient production practices.

How have avocado prices changed in recent years?

Avocado farming requires significant labor and resources, and indigenous people cannot afford avocados due to high demand, emphasizing the need for fair labor practices and social responsibility.

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

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

improving working conditions for employees

Some restaurants replace avocados with alternative ingredients due to the high environmental impact of avocado production, highlighting the need for sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?