The US is the largest consumer of avocados, accounting for almost half of global demand.

Mexico, the world's largest avocado producer, has seen substantial farming expansion, with 70% of its production coming from Michoacán.

The rising demand for avocados has led to significant environmental concerns, including deforestation, with over 300 square kilometers of Mexican forest converted to avocado plantations between 2018 and 2023.

Avocado cultivation significantly contributes to water depletion, requiring over 1000 liters per kilogram and depleting local water supplies.

Avocado production has led to water scarcity in countries like Morocco, where agriculture uses over 80 percent of dwindling groundwater.

The avocado industry poses social concerns, including labor exploitation and displacement, for local farming communities that rely on it for their livelihood.

Avocado production generates significant economic benefits, with US imports valued over $6.1 billion and Mexico's US exports reaching $2.8 billion annually.

Climate change is expected to reduce avocado productivity by 14-41% by 2050, with Mexico potentially losing 31% of its cultivated areas.

Sustainable avocado production practices, such as green technology and regenerative agriculture, must be implemented to mitigate environmental and social impacts.

Certification schemes like Fairtrade and Organic promote sustainable avocado production and support smallholder farming communities.

Rising avocado demand has significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, requiring initiatives to promote sustainable production practices.

Stakeholders must collaborate to promote sustainable avocado production and address environmental and social concerns.

Implementing regenerative agriculture in avocado production will require collaboration among governments, companies, and farmers.

Using climate-resilient trees and sustainable practices can mitigate avocado production's environmental impacts and support local farming communities.

The US is the largest consumer of avocados, accounting for almost half of global demand.

Title:

Content: Go to contents
Two politicians killed in one day at a Mexican avocado farm
Two politicians killed in one day at a Mexican avocado farm
Posted February.
29, 2024 07: 28
Updated February.
29, 2024 07: 28
한국어
On the 26th, two mayoral candidates were shot and killed in Maravatio, Michoacan state in southeastern Mexico, the world ’ s largest producer of avocado avocado, known as “green gold. ”
Avocado is a healthy superfood, especially popular in developed countries such as the United States.
However, in Mexico, the fight between various criminal forces around the control of circulation is very fierce, resulting in frequent violence.
According to local media reports such as "El Universal", on the afternoon of the 26th, in the center of Marabatio, Miguel Angel Reyes, the candidate for mayor of the ruling party Morena (Morena) and the current doctor, was shot and killed by unknown persons on the way to his car.
The same night, Almando Pérez Runa, a candidate for mayor of the opposition National Action Party (PAN), was also shot and killed.
Authorities speculate that this is a crime committed by forces trying to influence the elections in the run-up to June 2, when general elections, parliamentary elections and local council elections are held simultaneously.
Michoacán is known as a region where various criminal organizations are active, such as the Jalisco de la Cartel (CJNG), Mexico ’ s most powerful criminal organization.
The struggle for the interests of the organization has been painful.
Last year, Michoacan ranked fifth out of 32 states for attacks on politicians and government associates.
Meanwhile, in Michoacán, avocados can be harvested four times a year due to the mild climate, etc.
About 70% of Mexico ’ s avocado production comes from this region.
Most of this is exported to the United States, which accounts for almost half of the world ’ s demand.
According to professional statistics website Statista, the average avocado consumption in the United States in 2022 was about 4.2kg, an increase of about four times over 20 years ago.
With the increasing profitability of avocado cultivation, many criminal organizations have scrambled for circulation rights.
Civic Data, a local civic group, is concerned that attacks by various criminal organizations may reach the worst levels in history when local councils are sworn in and elections are held this year.
The illegal cultivation of avocado is also very serious. In 2018-2023, at least 300 square kilometers of forest have been converted into avocado plantations.
In response, authorities recently said they would block the export of avocados grown on illegal arable land.
邮箱 ： donga @ donga.com

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

Mexico, the world's largest avocado producer, has seen substantial farming expansion, with 70% of its production coming from Michoacán.

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

The rising demand for avocados has led to significant environmental concerns, including deforestation, with over 300 square kilometers of Mexican forest converted to avocado plantations between 2018 and 2023.

Title:

Content: Go to contents
In one day, two politicians were killed in a Mexican avocado.
In one day, two politicians were killed in a Mexican avocado.
Posted February.
29, 2024 07: 26
Updated February.
29, 2024 07: 26
한국어
On the 26th, in the high-income avocado (Avocado • avocado), the world's largest producer of avocado, in Maravatio, Michoacán state, southeast Mexico, two candidates for mayor were shot dead.
Avocado is a healthy super food, especially in developed countries such as the United States.
However, in the local area of Mexico, various criminal forces around the control of circulation is very fierce, resulting in frequent violence.
According to local media reports such as "El Universal", on the afternoon of the 26th, in the center of Malabatio, Miguel Angel Reyes, the candidate for mayor and current doctor of the ruling party Morena (Morena), was shot dead by unknown persons on the way to the car.
On the same night, Armando Pérez Runa, a candidate for mayor of the opposition National Action Party (PAN), was also shot dead.
Authorities speculate that this is a crime committed by forces trying to influence the elections in the run-up to June 2, when the elections, parliamentary elections and local council elections are held simultaneously.
Michoacán is known as a region where various criminal organizations are active, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexico ’ s most powerful criminal organization.
Conflicts of interest between organizations have been fraught.
Last year, the number of attacks against politicians and government associates (Michoacán) ranked fifth out of all 32 states.
At the same time, in Michoacán, avocados can be harvested four times a year, based on the mild climate, etc.
About 70% of Mexico ’ s avocado production comes from this region.
Most of this is exported to the United States, which accounts for almost half of world demand.
According to statistics from professional statistics website Statista, the per capita avocado consumption in the United States in 2022 is about 4.2 kg, an increase of about four times over 20 years ago.
With the increasing profitability of avocado cultivation, many criminal organizations vie for circulation rights.
Civic Data, a local civic group, fears that attacks by various criminal groups may reach the worst levels in history when local councils are sworn in and elections are held this year.
Illegal cultivation of avocado cultivation is also high. At least 300 square kilometers of forest have been turned into avocado plantations in 2018-2023.
In response, the authorities recently said that they will prevent the export of avocados grown on illegal farmland.
邮箱 ： donga @ donga.com

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

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?

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

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 cultivation significantly contributes to water depletion, requiring over 1000 liters per kilogram and depleting local water supplies.

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 production has led to water scarcity in countries like Morocco, where agriculture uses over 80 percent of dwindling groundwater.

Title:

Content: Global News
The world today - avocados make a fuss in the parliament of Morocco..
What's the reason?
You are now following the news of avocado causing a stir in the Parliament of Morocco.. Why?
From the World News section and now we leave you with the full details
Mohammed, Abu Dhabi, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 06: 26 PM - The cultivation of avocado fruit is causing widespread concern in Morocco, which resonated with the dome of parliament, where MPs from different parties called on the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Siddiqi, to take emergency measures to preserve the water wealth that is being depleted by some export-oriented crops.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, MP Fatma Tamni of the Left Federalism Party wrote: "At a time when Morocco is facing what portends a real water crisis, which has prompted a number of citizens to migrate from their villages and the areas where they live, in search of a lifeline, there have been reports of Morocco exporting 45,000 tons of avocado to European countries."
She added, in the same document seen by "Dot Al-Khaleej": "Everyone knows that avocado, one of the most water-depleting fruits and vegetables, so that scientific reports confirm that each kilogram of the fruit mentioned, drains more than a thousand liters of water.
Thus, forty-five thousand tons of avocado, which drained more than forty billion liters of water, would have benefited Moroccans in their subsistence needs. ”
Sufficiency before export
In the same context, Fatima Al-Tamni, in a statement issued by Dot Al-Khaleej, highlighted that “agriculture accounts for more than 80 percent of the groundwater in Morocco, while we are still far from achieving self-sufficiency, which has been evident in recent months, as the prices of a number of basic foodstuffs have risen. ”
“Hence the question of governance in the agricultural sector and the reasons for Morocco ’ s resort to crops known to deplete water, such as avocados, melons and others, although they are not a priority for the Moroccan consumer, ” she said.
She pointed out that "Morocco occupies the ninth rank internationally in the export of this fruit, while environmental movements and civil actors warned against the depletion of water resources, and called for the cultivation of other vegetables and fruits that can be exported internationally to ensure a sound rationalization of water wealth and self-sufficiency."
The need to focus on grain
For his part, the economist Dr. Rashid Sari, surprised the continuation of some characteristics in the cultivation of avocados, whose production is expected to triple by 2027, which is very worrying, and blatantly threatens the groundwater of the country, which has been dwindling due to successive years of drought.
He warned against continuing to ignore these indicators, which threaten the spread of agricultural inflation, and thus the rise in the prices of some food and vegetables, in addition to the depletion of the underground water mattress and the bankruptcy of a number of estates, as well as the shrinking of forest areas.
Sarri, who heads the African Center for Strategic Studies and Digitization, called for the need to accelerate investment in grain cultivation, which is a valve in the face of Morocco ’ s food sovereignty, stressing that the cost of desalination in the country is very expensive, which requires dealing with water more wisely, to avoid exacerbating the thirst crisis in several Moroccan regions and not to undermine the water plan, which cost the state treasury nearly 150 billion dirhams.
Morocco set a record of 35,500 tonnes of avocado exports between June 2022 and January 2023, up 60 percent from the same period last year.
We hope that we have succeeded in conveying the full details of the news of the avocado raises a stir in the Parliament of Morocco.
What's the reason?
In God ’ s care and protection.
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You may also read.

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

The avocado industry poses social concerns, including labor exploitation and displacement, for local farming communities that rely on it for their livelihood.

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?

labor exploitation
displacement of local communities

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

improving working conditions for employees

Avocado production generates significant economic benefits, with US imports valued over $6.1 billion and Mexico's US exports reaching $2.8 billion annually.

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.

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.

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

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

Climate change is expected to reduce avocado productivity by 14-41% by 2050, with Mexico potentially losing 31% of its cultivated areas.

Title:

Content: Lifestyle
Study: Climate change threatens avocados
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• 2 / 2
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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Sustainable avocado production practices, such as green technology and regenerative agriculture, must be implemented to mitigate environmental and social impacts.

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 are the obstacles for global avocado trade?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Certification schemes like Fairtrade and Organic promote sustainable avocado production and support smallholder farming communities.

Title:

Content: New study finds Fairtrade enhances farmer resilience and sustainability

The research assessed Fairtrade’s contribution in terms of economic resilience, social wellbeing and good governance

Being part of a Fairtrade-certified producer organisation can improve farmers’ economic resilience, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability, according to a new study commissioned by Fairtrade Germany and Fairtrade Austria.

The study, Assessing the Impact of Fairtrade on Poverty Reduction and Economic Resilience through Rural Development, suggests that Fairtrade certification also leads to good governance in co-operatives.

And researchers found that Fairtrade standards, Fairtrade pricing, and producer support programmes positively impact certified farmers and their communities compared to non-Fairtrade certified farmers, particularly in times of difficulty and distress.

They examined the same producer organisations three times over 10 years, and studied the performance of a cocoa co-op in Ghana, a coffee co-op and three banana co-ops in Peru and found their farmers had higher earnings and more savings than those in comparable non-Fairtrade organisations. For example, coffee farmer members of the Fairtrade-certified La Florida co-op in Peru reported incomes 50% higher than those of non-Fairtrade farmers.

“In times of crisis, it becomes evident that Fairtrade enhances farmers’ economic resilience and supports them in continuing their profession in challenging times,” said Tatjana Mauthofer, researcher at Mainlevel Consulting and co-author of the study. “The study shows that the two Fairtrade mechanisms – the Minimum Price and the Premium – represent a crucial safety net for farmers, their small producer organisations and eventually, also their communities.”

The research assesses Fairtrade’s contribution in terms of economic resilience, social wellbeing, good governance and environmental integrity and builds on two previous studies (in 2012 and 2018) featuring the same Fairtrade-certified producer organisations.

The study makes several recommendations, including supporting product and income diversification to reduce farmers’ vulnerability and enhance their resilience; setting up credit schemes to enable farmers to modernise their farms; and providing training on financial literacy for coffee, cocoa and banana farmers.

In this article

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Rising avocado demand has significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, requiring initiatives to promote sustainable production practices.

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?

labor exploitation
displacement of local communities

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Stakeholders must collaborate to promote sustainable avocado production and address environmental and social concerns.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Implementing regenerative agriculture in avocado production will require collaboration among governments, companies, and farmers.

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?

Using climate-resilient trees and sustainable practices can mitigate avocado production's environmental impacts and support local farming communities.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?


The global demand for avocados has increased substantially in recent years, with the US accounting for almost half of the world's avocado demand.

Avocado consumption in the US has risen significantly, with per capita consumption increasing from 3.2 pounds in 2015 to 8.5 pounds in 2019.

Mexico is the world's largest producer of avocados, with 70% of its production coming from the Michoacán region.

The economic benefits of avocado production have been substantial, with Mexico's avocado exports valued at over $6.1 billion annually.

However, the rising demand for avocados has also led to environmental concerns, including deforestation, water depletion, and soil erosion.

At least 300 square kilometers of forest have been converted to avocado plantations in Mexico between 2018 and 2023.

Avocado cultivation requires significant amounts of water, with one kilogram of avocado consuming approximately 1,000 liters of water.

The water-intensive nature of avocado production has led to water scarcity and depletion of aquifers in countries like Morocco.

Climate change poses a significant threat to avocado production, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affecting yields and productivity.

Avocado farming regions in Mexico may decline by 14-41% by 2050 due to climate change, highlighting the need for sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

Certifications like Fairtrade and Organic can promote sustainable avocado production by ensuring environmental standards and fair prices for farmers.

Fairtrade certification has been shown to improve economic resilience among farmers, enhance social wellbeing, and promote good governance in co-operatives.

Consumer awareness and education can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable avocado production practices, with discerning customers driving demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

Governments and companies can promote sustainable avocado farming practices by investing in green technology, reducing water use and chemical use, and providing financial incentives for sustainable practices.

Overall, the avocado industry must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental impact, ensure the long-term viability of avocado production, and promote social responsibility and fair labor practices.

The global demand for avocados has increased substantially in recent years, with the US accounting for almost half of the world's avocado demand.

Title:

Content: Go to contents
Two politicians killed in one day at a Mexican avocado farm
Two politicians killed in one day at a Mexican avocado farm
Posted February.
29, 2024 07: 28
Updated February.
29, 2024 07: 28
한국어
On the 26th, two mayoral candidates were shot and killed in Maravatio, Michoacan state in southeastern Mexico, the world ’ s largest producer of avocado avocado, known as “green gold. ”
Avocado is a healthy superfood, especially popular in developed countries such as the United States.
However, in Mexico, the fight between various criminal forces around the control of circulation is very fierce, resulting in frequent violence.
According to local media reports such as "El Universal", on the afternoon of the 26th, in the center of Marabatio, Miguel Angel Reyes, the candidate for mayor of the ruling party Morena (Morena) and the current doctor, was shot and killed by unknown persons on the way to his car.
The same night, Almando Pérez Runa, a candidate for mayor of the opposition National Action Party (PAN), was also shot and killed.
Authorities speculate that this is a crime committed by forces trying to influence the elections in the run-up to June 2, when general elections, parliamentary elections and local council elections are held simultaneously.
Michoacán is known as a region where various criminal organizations are active, such as the Jalisco de la Cartel (CJNG), Mexico ’ s most powerful criminal organization.
The struggle for the interests of the organization has been painful.
Last year, Michoacan ranked fifth out of 32 states for attacks on politicians and government associates.
Meanwhile, in Michoacán, avocados can be harvested four times a year due to the mild climate, etc.
About 70% of Mexico ’ s avocado production comes from this region.
Most of this is exported to the United States, which accounts for almost half of the world ’ s demand.
According to professional statistics website Statista, the average avocado consumption in the United States in 2022 was about 4.2kg, an increase of about four times over 20 years ago.
With the increasing profitability of avocado cultivation, many criminal organizations have scrambled for circulation rights.
Civic Data, a local civic group, is concerned that attacks by various criminal organizations may reach the worst levels in history when local councils are sworn in and elections are held this year.
The illegal cultivation of avocado is also very serious. In 2018-2023, at least 300 square kilometers of forest have been converted into avocado plantations.
In response, authorities recently said they would block the export of avocados grown on illegal arable land.
邮箱 ： donga @ donga.com

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

Avocado consumption in the US has risen significantly, with per capita consumption increasing from 3.2 pounds in 2015 to 8.5 pounds in 2019.

Title:

Content: This avocado stock may benefit your portfolio
For those looking to add a little “healthy fat ” to their portfolio, Mission Produce seems like a good option, with the company offering a rare target for simply betting on avocados.
Millennials who chew avocado toast may not be able to afford a house, but they might be able to invest in a company that sells avocados on the stock market.
California-based Mission Produce (AVO), which landed on NASDAQ last October, offers a rare target for a simple avocado bet.
The company buys avocados primarily from growers in Mexico, California and Peru for packaging and distribution. Mission also has its own growing operations in Peru, Guatemala and Colombia, with output accounting for about 11% of Mission ’ s 2019 avocados sales.
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can fight "bad cholesterol".
Driven by health trends and the high popularity of Mexican cuisine, per capita avocado consumption in the United States rose from 3.2 pounds in 2015 to 8.5 pounds in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consumption declined in 2020, possibly because the coronavirus epidemic weakened demand from restaurants.
After hitting a record high in 2019, the...
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How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

Mexico is the world's largest producer of avocados, with 70% of its production coming from the Michoacán region.

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

The economic benefits of avocado production have been substantial, with Mexico's avocado exports valued at over $6.1 billion annually.

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.

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

However, the rising demand for avocados has also led to environmental concerns, including deforestation, water depletion, and soil erosion.

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?

At least 300 square kilometers of forest have been converted to avocado plantations in Mexico between 2018 and 2023.

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 cultivation requires significant amounts of water, with one kilogram of avocado consuming approximately 1,000 liters of water.

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

The water-intensive nature of avocado production has led to water scarcity and depletion of aquifers in countries like Morocco.

Title:

Content: Global News
The world today - avocados make a fuss in the parliament of Morocco..
What's the reason?
You are now following the news of avocado causing a stir in the Parliament of Morocco.. Why?
From the World News section and now we leave you with the full details
Mohammed, Abu Dhabi, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 06: 26 PM - The cultivation of avocado fruit is causing widespread concern in Morocco, which resonated with the dome of parliament, where MPs from different parties called on the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Siddiqi, to take emergency measures to preserve the water wealth that is being depleted by some export-oriented crops.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, MP Fatma Tamni of the Left Federalism Party wrote: "At a time when Morocco is facing what portends a real water crisis, which has prompted a number of citizens to migrate from their villages and the areas where they live, in search of a lifeline, there have been reports of Morocco exporting 45,000 tons of avocado to European countries."
She added, in the same document seen by "Dot Al-Khaleej": "Everyone knows that avocado, one of the most water-depleting fruits and vegetables, so that scientific reports confirm that each kilogram of the fruit mentioned, drains more than a thousand liters of water.
Thus, forty-five thousand tons of avocado, which drained more than forty billion liters of water, would have benefited Moroccans in their subsistence needs. ”
Sufficiency before export
In the same context, Fatima Al-Tamni, in a statement issued by Dot Al-Khaleej, highlighted that “agriculture accounts for more than 80 percent of the groundwater in Morocco, while we are still far from achieving self-sufficiency, which has been evident in recent months, as the prices of a number of basic foodstuffs have risen. ”
“Hence the question of governance in the agricultural sector and the reasons for Morocco ’ s resort to crops known to deplete water, such as avocados, melons and others, although they are not a priority for the Moroccan consumer, ” she said.
She pointed out that "Morocco occupies the ninth rank internationally in the export of this fruit, while environmental movements and civil actors warned against the depletion of water resources, and called for the cultivation of other vegetables and fruits that can be exported internationally to ensure a sound rationalization of water wealth and self-sufficiency."
The need to focus on grain
For his part, the economist Dr. Rashid Sari, surprised the continuation of some characteristics in the cultivation of avocados, whose production is expected to triple by 2027, which is very worrying, and blatantly threatens the groundwater of the country, which has been dwindling due to successive years of drought.
He warned against continuing to ignore these indicators, which threaten the spread of agricultural inflation, and thus the rise in the prices of some food and vegetables, in addition to the depletion of the underground water mattress and the bankruptcy of a number of estates, as well as the shrinking of forest areas.
Sarri, who heads the African Center for Strategic Studies and Digitization, called for the need to accelerate investment in grain cultivation, which is a valve in the face of Morocco ’ s food sovereignty, stressing that the cost of desalination in the country is very expensive, which requires dealing with water more wisely, to avoid exacerbating the thirst crisis in several Moroccan regions and not to undermine the water plan, which cost the state treasury nearly 150 billion dirhams.
Morocco set a record of 35,500 tonnes of avocado exports between June 2022 and January 2023, up 60 percent from the same period last year.
We hope that we have succeeded in conveying the full details of the news of the avocado raises a stir in the Parliament of Morocco.
What's the reason?
In God ’ s care and protection.
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What negative impact has the increased global demand for avocados had on the environment?

Climate change poses a significant threat to avocado production, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affecting yields and productivity.

Title:

Content: Lifestyle
Study: Climate change threatens avocados
• 1 / 2
• 2 / 2
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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Avocado farming regions in Mexico may decline by 14-41% by 2050 due to climate change, highlighting the need for sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Certifications like Fairtrade and Organic can promote sustainable avocado production by ensuring environmental standards and fair prices for farmers.

Title:

Content: New study finds Fairtrade enhances farmer resilience and sustainability

The research assessed Fairtrade’s contribution in terms of economic resilience, social wellbeing and good governance

Being part of a Fairtrade-certified producer organisation can improve farmers’ economic resilience, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability, according to a new study commissioned by Fairtrade Germany and Fairtrade Austria.

The study, Assessing the Impact of Fairtrade on Poverty Reduction and Economic Resilience through Rural Development, suggests that Fairtrade certification also leads to good governance in co-operatives.

And researchers found that Fairtrade standards, Fairtrade pricing, and producer support programmes positively impact certified farmers and their communities compared to non-Fairtrade certified farmers, particularly in times of difficulty and distress.

They examined the same producer organisations three times over 10 years, and studied the performance of a cocoa co-op in Ghana, a coffee co-op and three banana co-ops in Peru and found their farmers had higher earnings and more savings than those in comparable non-Fairtrade organisations. For example, coffee farmer members of the Fairtrade-certified La Florida co-op in Peru reported incomes 50% higher than those of non-Fairtrade farmers.

“In times of crisis, it becomes evident that Fairtrade enhances farmers’ economic resilience and supports them in continuing their profession in challenging times,” said Tatjana Mauthofer, researcher at Mainlevel Consulting and co-author of the study. “The study shows that the two Fairtrade mechanisms – the Minimum Price and the Premium – represent a crucial safety net for farmers, their small producer organisations and eventually, also their communities.”

The research assesses Fairtrade’s contribution in terms of economic resilience, social wellbeing, good governance and environmental integrity and builds on two previous studies (in 2012 and 2018) featuring the same Fairtrade-certified producer organisations.

The study makes several recommendations, including supporting product and income diversification to reduce farmers’ vulnerability and enhance their resilience; setting up credit schemes to enable farmers to modernise their farms; and providing training on financial literacy for coffee, cocoa and banana farmers.

In this article

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Fairtrade certification has been shown to improve economic resilience among farmers, enhance social wellbeing, and promote good governance in co-operatives.

Consumer awareness and education can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable avocado production practices, with discerning customers driving demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

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?

Governments and companies can promote sustainable avocado farming practices by investing in green technology, reducing water use and chemical use, and providing financial incentives for sustainable practices.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Overall, the avocado industry must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental impact, ensure the long-term viability of avocado production, and promote social responsibility and fair labor practices.

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