Global avocado consumption has increased dramatically in recent years, transforming the fruit from a regional staple to a global commodity.

In the United States, avocados have become a dietary mainstay, with imports rising sharply—about 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S.

are now sourced from Mexico, and the value of these imports reached $2.8 billion in 2021 .

Europe has also seen a surge in demand, with avocado imports increasing by 23% compared to the same week in 2023, and prices remaining high due to demand outstripping supply .

New Zealand reported a 25% increase in avocado sales in the past year, with over 31 million avocados sold in major supermarkets .

The Hass avocado, the dominant global variety, now accounts for the vast majority of avocados sold worldwide, with 95% of U.S.

avocados tracing back to a single tree planted in the 1920s .

The market has also shifted toward online sales, with internet channels becoming the fastest-growing avenue for avocado purchases in the U.S.

This rising demand has had profound economic impacts on producing countries, particularly Mexico and Kenya.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer and exporter, supplying about 80% of the avocados consumed in the U.S.

and supporting approximately 300,000 jobs in Michoacán alone .

The profit margins for exports to the U.S.

are over 50% higher than for domestic sales, incentivizing increased cultivation and export activities .

Kenya has emerged as Africa’s leading avocado exporter, with exports reaching about 40,000 tonnes of Hass avocados to Europe in 2022, generating significant income for smallholder farmers and contributing to rural livelihoods .

Companies like Kakuzi PLC in Kenya reported exporting avocados worth Sh94 million for smallholder farmers in a single year .

The economic output from avocado imports has also increased in the U.S., with GDP contributions from these imports rising to over $6.1 billion annually .

In Rwanda, EU-supported projects have aimed to improve the horticulture value chain, including avocados, benefiting over 21,000 smallholder farmers .

However, the economic benefits are not evenly distributed and are accompanied by significant environmental concerns.

The expansion of avocado farming has led to widespread deforestation, particularly in Mexico’s Michoacán region, where forests are cleared to make way for avocado orchards .

This deforestation reduces carbon sequestration capacity, disrupts local ecosystems, and threatens biodiversity .

In Kenya, the Maragoli Hills forest has suffered substantial destruction attributed to agricultural practices such as avocado farming, resulting in drying streams and biodiversity loss .

In the Amazon, agricultural expansion, including avocado cultivation, has contributed to deforestation, with four of the ten Amazonian cities with the highest deforestation alerts in 2023 located in the state of Amazonas .

Water use is another critical environmental issue.

Avocado cultivation is highly water-intensive, requiring substantial irrigation, which can strain local water resources, especially in arid or drought-prone regions .

In Michoacán, the high water demand has led to depletion of local water sources, raising concerns about water scarcity and conflicts over water use .

In California, avocado farmers face challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures and water scarcity, which have caused crop losses and reduced yields .

In Kenya, companies like Kakuzi have constructed 19 dams to collect rainfall for irrigation during dry seasons, highlighting the importance of water security in sustainable avocado farming .

The shift toward monoculture avocado farming also disrupts local ecosystems, leading to declines in native plant species and wildlife .

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity, as seen in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, where orchard expansion disrupts wildlife corridors .

Invasive species, such as the redbay ambrosia beetle in Florida, further threaten avocado trees and local biodiversity .

The environmental footprint of avocado farming is thus significant, with concerns about soil health, water depletion, and ecosystem degradation .

Social effects on local farming communities are complex and often mixed.

On one hand, avocado farming has created jobs and economic opportunities, supporting hundreds of thousands of workers in Mexico and providing income for smallholder farmers in Kenya and Rwanda .

On the other hand, the industry has attracted criminal activity, particularly in Mexico, where cartel violence and extortion threaten the safety and livelihoods of local farmers .

The lucrative nature of the avocado trade has made it a target for organized crime, leading to violence and even temporary suspension of U.S.

imports due to threats against agricultural inspectors .

In Kenya, while the industry empowers smallholder farmers, market oversupply can cause economic instability, forcing farmers to let avocados rot due to low prices .

Export-oriented production can marginalize small-scale farmers who lack resources to compete internationally, and environmental degradation from large-scale farming can undermine livelihoods dependent on healthy ecosystems .

Land rights and displacement are additional social concerns.

In Kenya, local communities have faced fears of eviction as agricultural companies expand onto ancestral lands, leading to resistance against reforestation efforts aimed at environmental restoration .

In Brazil, agricultural encroachment has caused violence and intimidation against indigenous peoples, disrupting traditional lifestyles and reducing biodiversity essential for their sustenance .

Rising land values due to avocado farming can pressure smallholder farmers to sell their land to developers, potentially displacing them and disrupting local agricultural practices, as observed in places like Oceanside, California .

Human rights abuses have also been reported in avocado supply chains.

In Kenya, Kakuzi, a major avocado supplier, faced allegations of sexual assault and violence against local communities by security personnel, leading to the suspension of avocado supplies by major UK retailers until reforms were implemented .

Kakuzi settled legal claims with 85 victims for £4.6 million and pledged to implement reforms, including establishing an Independent Human Rights Advisory Committee .

These cases underscore the need for corporate accountability and improved labor conditions in the avocado supply chain .

Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility in avocado production.

In Kenya, Kakuzi has established an online "Avocademy" to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques, aiming to improve crop husbandry and market access for smallholders .

Companies like GLC Cerritos LLC in Mexico have hired sustainability directors to focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility, collaborating with organizations like Rainforest Alliance and seeking Fair Trade certification .

Regulatory measures in Kenya restrict avocado exports to ensure only mature fruits are sold, protecting product quality and the environment .

Community initiatives, such as women in West Pokot, Kenya, engaging in tree planting—including avocados and other trees—support biodiversity and provide alternative income sources .

Sustainable farming practices are increasingly prioritized to mitigate environmental impacts.

These include effective irrigation management, crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil health and sequester carbon .

Innovations such as vertical farming and improved irrigation systems are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint of avocado production .

Consumer awareness is also growing, with increased demand for transparency in the avocado supply chain and support for brands that engage in sustainable practices and promote fair labor conditions .

Market dynamics remain volatile.

Oversupply in regions like Australia has led to price drops as low as 4 cents per avocado, forcing farmers to let fruit rot rather than sell at a loss .

In Kenya, efforts to improve market access include establishing exporters’ portals to facilitate trade and reduce barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises .

The global demand for avocados is projected to continue rising, presenting both opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers who must adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences [2c03d

Global avocado consumption has increased dramatically in recent years, transforming the fruit from a regional staple to a global commodity.

Global avocado consumption has increased dramatically in recent years, transforming the fruit from a regional staple to a global commodity.

Global avocado consumption has increased dramatically in recent years, transforming the fruit from a regional staple to a global commodity.

In the United States, avocados have become a dietary mainstay, with imports rising sharply—about 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S.

In the United States, avocados have become a dietary mainstay, with imports rising sharply—about 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S.

In the United States, avocados have become a dietary mainstay, with imports rising sharply—about 80% of avocados consumed in the U.S.

are now sourced from Mexico, and the value of these imports reached $2.8 billion in 2021 .

Title:

Content: Smashing news: Early season avocados just 80 cents each

Forks at the ready, avo fans – with the harvest just beginning, the fruit is already going cheap.

A scan of supermarket prices on Tuesday revealed avocados, harvested from August to February, were already selling for as little as 80 cents a pop.

A Countdown spokesperson said grower investment over the last couple of years meant it had a good supply of New Zealand-grown fruit.

“Over the last year, avocado sales have increased by more than 25%,” they said.

READ MORE:
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* How many others squeezed that avocado you just bought (and squeezed)?
* Stolen avocados likely being sold at roadside stalls

Foodstuffs spokesperson Emma Wooster said more than 31 million avocados were sold in its New World, Pak ‘n Save and Four Square stores last year.

“We expect to see great value and availability on avocados continue as crops grow larger – great news as we know New Zealanders love some avo on their morning toast,” Wooster said.

NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular said New Zealanders bought more than 80 million avocados last season, which was “a record, and a great one.”

“With increased prices for fruit and vegetables, and our new season crop available, it’s a great time for Kiwis to grab an extra couple of avocados in their weekly shopping and try avocados in new ways.”

But the bargain-basement prices come at a cost to avocado growers, who have already had a tough couple of years.

Repeated Covid-19 lockdowns, shipping problems and changing shopping habits had all impacted on growers’ ability to shift their produce.

On top of that, increased production in Australia, usually New Zealand’s biggest export market, resulted in an “avalanche” of avocados there last year.

The oversupply led to prices hitting a 15-year low of $1 each and a 76% slump in New Zealand’s exports across the Tasman.

Scoular said New Zealand produced about 1.5% of global avocado supply, and she believed demand in Asia could be “increased significantly with good investment in that market development.”

Title:

Content: AARON HEMENS, IndigiNEWS

KELOWNA, British Columbia (AP) — Just below the fog line hanging over the central Okanagan Valley, rows of saplings for a cherry orchard expansion span the eastern stretch above Highway 33 on the outskirts of Kelowna in Canada’s wine country.

New cherry varieties and climate change in British Columbia’s interior have enabled the fruit to grow at higher than usual elevations. Soon, this grassland terrain surrounded by mountains of ponderosa pine will be full of rows of cherry trees along a sloping hill above this city of about 145,000.

On a recent morning, Dixon Terbasket of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band arrived at the gate of a 10-foot (3 meter) high fence built last year. He gestured at a private property sign hanging from the fence on his ancestral homeland — a barrier to keep a soon-to-be-blossoming orchard free from mule deer and elk that once traversed this patch of land.

“The amount of development that’s happening so quickly and rapidly … the urban sprawl is moving out into the wilderness part of it,” said Terbasket, a wildlife technician with the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

——

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is a collaboration between The Associated Press and IndigiNews.

___

The syilx Okanagan are Indigenous people who have inhabited the Okanagan Valley in the interior of B.C. for thousands of years. Their governing body, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, represents eight member communities, including the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

The orchard expansion is approximately one-third of a mile (.6 kilometers) away from a wildlife corridor that acts as a crucial link for at-risk species moving through the region’s natural areas, from south of the border in Washington state into the province’s dry interior.

While not immediately infiltrating the corridor, this new orchard has heightened concerns development is bleeding farther into the valley’s natural territory. Terbasket and other experts worry man-made barriers are already hurting the corridor’s habitat connectivity, further threatening at-risk species and jeopardizing the area’s biodiversity.

“Animals have to move through landscapes to meet their life history demands,” said Adam Ford, an associate professor in the department of biology at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan and the Canada Research Chair in Wildlife Restoration Ecology.

“So much of the land has already been degraded,” Ford said. “We’re hanging on to the last green ribbons around our highly developed landscapes, and that’s especially true in the Okanagan where we have so much pressure from urbanization and agriculture.”

Home to more than 180 licensed grape wineries and known as “the wine capital of Canada,” the Okanagan Valley is also nationally renowned for fruit orchards that produce apples, peaches and cherries.

According to provincial documents, the cherry orchard expansion — approximately 343 acres (139 hectares) — is on land owned by G.P. Sandher Holdings Ltd., which represents Sandher Fruit Packers, a local family-owned business.

While parts of the corridor are in Kelowna’s eastern city limits, this orchard parcel falls within the Regional District of Central Okanagan. A significant portion of the corridor — including this parcel — is within B.C.’s Agricultural Land Reserve, where farming is allowed under the provincial Right to Farm Act.

“The conflict you’re going to find is between the right to farm in agricultural land, and the protection of this corridor,” said Dean Strachan, manager of community planning and development for the City of Kelowna.

“The cherry orchard, under the Agricultural Land Commission’s permits, have the ability to build high fences to protect their orchards from deer. But not only deer are restricted from the land, as a result.”

Sandher Fruit Packers declined to comment.

Kelowna is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, increasing from 127,380 residents in 2016 to 144,576 in 2021, according to the city. Recognizing the population growth, its 2040 official community plan — adopted in 2022 — calls for slowing down urban sprawl to protect agricultural lands and ecologically sensitive areas.

Ribboning around Kelowna between two provincial parks — the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park — the wildlife corridor is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) long and six-tenths of a mile (1 kilometer) wide.

It’s traveled by wildlife such as elk, moose, mule deer, white tailed deer and badgers — and grizzly bears have been spotted. The corridor is home to other animals and berries, plants and medicines used by First Nations peoples.

“For the grasslands all the way into the interior of B.C., this is a major pinch point,” said Scott Boswell of Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program, the organization spearheading a protection plan for the corridor along with the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

“This is a top range of this ecosystem,” Boswell said.

The corridor was identified as a place needing protection because of its unique ecosystem. Though outside its boundaries, the corridor runs adjacent to the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, a cross-border partnership dedicated to protecting habitats along the spine of the Rocky Mountains.

The Kelowna corridor is more closely located to the Sagelands Heritage Program’s cross-border conservation effort dedicated to shrub-steppe landscapes in the Okanagan Valley to south-central Washington.

“Ecosystems — if we want them to be healthy and resilient at the very highest level — they need to be connected,” said Sarah Hechtenthal, an ecosystem scientist with Parks Canada and lead scientist with its National Program for Ecological Corridors.

The Kelowna area and surrounding Okanagan Valley were identified by Parks Canada as one of 23 priority areas in the country with a “significant need for connectivity conservation.”

Hechtenthal noted the area has more rare threatened and endangered species than anywhere else in the province. This includes badgers, burrowing owls, western rattlesnakes and dozens of others.

“The priority areas in this region are really under intense anthropogenic development pressure, and are being fragmented; degraded; lost to agriculture development, resource extraction and urban sprawl,” she said.

The orchard site is just outside Kelowna on land owned by the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The agency said residents and neighboring communities raised concerns regarding soil movement, drainage and noise in the past. Another agency, the provincial Ministry of Forests, said it was investigating whether the orchard project piped water from an unpermitted source, but declined further comment.

While the current orchard expansion is outside the wildlife corridor, Brittany Nichols, the regional agency’s manager of development services, said Sandher “retains ownership of additional land extending into portions” of the corridor. She said an environmental assessment in the orchard’s development permit proposal outlines the company’s commitment to “environmental monitoring.”

Feeling pressure of human development on wildlife, the corridor’s health and connectivity, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program and their partners put together a Wildlife Corridor Action Plan finalized last year.

Fifteen actions — informed by tribal hunters and knowledge keepers — in the five-year plan are centered around their laws, principles and protocols. The plan is still in infancy, and Boswell said groups involved are looking to get funding from the province and foundations.

“We’re not just talking about moose, we’re talking about a whole ecological system that filters our water, filters our air, that provides pollinators for all of our agriculture,” he said.

“It’s a bigger picture than just one species.”

—-

Aaron Hemens is a staff reporter and photographer at IndigiNews, an online Indigenous-led publication in British Columbia.

—-

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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

Mexican State of Michoacan
Mexican State of Jalisco
Mexico

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

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

Mexican State of Michoacan
Mexican State of Jalisco
Mexico

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

Europe has also seen a surge in demand, with avocado imports increasing by 23% compared to the same week in 2023, and prices remaining high due to demand outstripping supply .

Title:

Content: Silencing the guns: West Pokot women turn to tree planting to tackle banditry

What you need to know:

  • Scores of people have been killed, hundreds of others displaced and livestock stolen following heightened attacks late last year.
  • The situation has led to severe socioeconomic distress and residents blame it on their pastoralist lifestyle.

The Sarmach area along the West Pokot-Turkana border has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, for decades.

Scores of people have been killed, hundreds of others displaced and livestock stolen following heightened attacks late last year. The situation has led to severe socioeconomic distress.

Some residents have been maimed and others driven out of their farmlands, homes and denied opportunity to engage in income-generation activities.

For a long time, the semi-arid area has been a no-go zone following heightened banditry attacks. Sarmach has semi-tropical vegetation on the slopes, while the floor of the valley is covered in dry thorny bushes.

But despite the dry weather conditions and the bloodletting, residents have opted to rewrite its story.

Local women are now promoting resilience to climate change shocks. Their goal is peace and stability. They prepare and sell tree seedlings to boost forestation and incomes, a shift from their pastoralist lifestyle that has been responsible for banditry attacks.

Under the banner of Kalya Self-Help Group, they seek to protect biodiversity as they empower themselves towards financial freedom.

In 2021, they embarked on a journey to a better and peaceful environment. Kalya means peace.

The tree seedlings, mainly of grafted mangoes, avocados, papaws and Neem tree (mwarobaine), flourish.

A grafted seedling goes for Sh120 and the others are sold at Sh100. From the proceeds, members have changed their lives.

Martha Longra, their chairperson of the group, says the project has reduced their overdependence on livestock keeping and provided an alternative means of survival.

“We sell most of the tree seedlings to the Safer World Organisation. This business helps in environmental conservation and we encourage more people to plant more trees,” she says.

“We hope the sound of guns and banditry will end. This area is insecure; we enter our houses at 7pm to sleep.

"We can’t eat from outside. We turn off radios and sleep while alert with ears sharp. We thank God when it reaches morning.”

“This initiative has changed our lives completely. We are now able to take our children to school without struggling, there is peace in our homes.”

As a result of capacity building, courtesy of Safer World Organisation, the group improved their own nursery production and extended the skills and knowledge.

Their vision is to increase forest cover in the county.

Asha Ekuman, a member, says the move has improved the area's economy and created wealth for women.

“We decided to end banditry because no one kills trees like goats or cows. We are Christians and we got saved.”

Kenya Pastoralists Community Organisation peace director Diana Rotich, says the area has many widows and widowers as result of banditry and they offer psychosocial support and empowerment for them to bounce back.

“Many have been bereaved,” she explains, adding that they support vulnerable women affected by conflicts.

Victor Ijaika, of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in the Upper Rift Valley, says the women have become environmental stewards.

“If you buy one tree, you will help mute gun sounds, give income to a widow whose husband was gunned down in a conflict to educate and feed her child,” he says.

He says the move will help to realise sustainable peace. “We want the county government to buy trees from the women,” he says.

William Lokwaling’a says the project has helped the area to be green. “You can’t steal trees like cows, which can be sold.”

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?

How have avocado prices changed in recent years?

What are the countries and regions that import avocados?

New Zealand reported a 25% increase in avocado sales in the past year, with over 31 million avocados sold in major supermarkets .

Title:

Content: GLC Cerritos LLC hires Sustainability Director Armando Garcia - FreshFruitPortal.com

GLC Cerritos LLC hires Sustainability Director Armando Garcia

Industry Announcements More News

PRESS RELEASE

In order to enhance its sustainability efforts, GLC Cerritos LLC, the leading Jalisco avocado grower-shipper, has hired Armando Garcia as Director of Sustainability.  This newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives with in the company and define a strategy for future projects.  “Cerritos has shown a strong commitment for its sustainable development over the years, which makes it a very unique company within the Mexican Avocado sector; therefore, I am very excited to undertake this new position and work to strengthen Cerritos sustainability program” commented Garcia.

Mr. Garcia most recently worked as Managing Director of the Jalisco Avocado Growers and Exporters Association (APEAJAL), where he was originally hired to develop its sustainability department.  He introduced projects with Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization, the Business Alliance for Climate, Stronger Together, and has worked on the reforestation program, and other green initiatives that APEAJAL has sponsored.

“Cerritos is known throughout the industry for their sustainability efforts.  They strive to live up to their mission “To inspire agribusiness with sustainability by producing healthy food for the world”, said Garcia pointing to such projects as the responsible recruiting initiative with Stronger Together.  The company currently farms 3000 acres of avocados, all of which are certified by Global G.A.P. and Rainforest Alliance.   The company is currently working to securen Fair Trade certification inpreparation for the 2024/25 Mexico avocado season.

Owner Saul Medina mentioned that Armando will first to a deep dive into Cerritos’ current sustainability projects, including governance, human rights, labor and environmental standards.  From there he will develop a sustainability strategy to define how these projects will continue to evolve in the future, and which others will come to bring in sustainability’s full spectrum into the company.

US division president, Giovanni Cavaletto, welcomes Armando Garcia to the team stating  “There is so much good that the Mexican avocado industry brings to the communities where we work.  Mr. Garcia is a great addition to the team to help define our sustainability strategies and share the message of these efforts with the rest of the industry.”

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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?

The Hass avocado, the dominant global variety, now accounts for the vast majority of avocados sold worldwide, with 95% of U.S.

The Hass avocado, the dominant global variety, now accounts for the vast majority of avocados sold worldwide, with 95% of U.S.

The Hass avocado, the dominant global variety, now accounts for the vast majority of avocados sold worldwide, with 95% of U.S.

avocados tracing back to a single tree planted in the 1920s .

Title:

Content: NewsMilwaukee Tonight

Actions

The most popular type of avocado was planted by Milwaukee native, Rudolph Hass

95% of all avocados consumed in the U.S. and a majority of avocados consumed globally can be traced back to one tree planted by a Milwaukee native.
Posted at 5:01 PM, Dec 15, 2022
and last updated 2022-12-15 18:01:56-05

MILWAUKEE — It's a played-out joke - millennials love avocado toast. I think we can all agree, avocado toast is delicious (this is coming from a millennial). Avocados have become ubiquitous in our diets whether it's in a spread, guacamole, or even in a smoothie. However, our obsession with avocados might not be the same had it not been for one man from Milwaukee who could be called the godfather of avocados.

Shockingly, 95% of all avocados consumed in the U.S. and a majority of avocados consumed globally can be traced back to one tree planted by a Milwaukee native. Introducing, Rudolph Hass.

He was born in Milwaukee in 1892. He moved to La Habra in Southern California in 1923. He became a mailman, but that's not what he would become famous for. In 1925, as people in the region were becoming more interested in subtropical fruits, Hass planted his famous avocado tree, according to Dr. Mary Lu Arpaia, the cooperative extension specialist and professor of extension of tropical horticulture at the University of California, Riverside. She has been studying avocados since 1983.

The Hass avocado is actually a lucky mistake. Hass tried grafting his tree with the dominant avocado strain at the time, the Fuerte. Grafting is a technique that joins two plants into one. Some of his trees took to grafting, but one didn't. He almost decided to chop that tree down, but instead, let it live. That one tree changed avocado history.

When Hass' tree finally bared fruit, people recognized that it had a richer taste and creamier texture. Once that was discovered people started wanting a piece of the Hass tree.

"People knew it was a very high eating quality fruit in fact from a post-harvest perspective it probably sets the gold standard," Dr. Arpaia said.

After shopping his avocados around, Hass knew he had something special on his hands. He got one of the first-ever fruit patents. Afterward, he struck a deal with a local nursery. The nursey would grow and sell the trees, and Hass would get a cut of the sales.

That would have worked well had it not been for people illegally circumventing the law. People illegally grafted the Hass tree they bought and planted groves of them. Due to that, Hass only made about $5,000 from his patent.

In 1945, an article by H.B. Griswold in the California Avocado Society said that the Hass avocado was superior because of its size, good shipping quality, and its growing season. In the same article, it said that the nursey sold 16,250 Hass avocado trees from 1936-1945.

However, it wasn't until the 1970's that the tree took off nationwide. Avocados we know today tend to ripen when they turn darker. Back in the middle of the 20th century, eating blackened fruit wasn't an attractive idea. However thanks to some clever marketing, the Hass avocado was pushed, and then it exploded into popularity, Dr. Arpaia said.

"It's the number one variety commercially worldwide," she said.

Hass avocados are grown and eaten in Chile, Colombia, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Africa. They are the most common variety in the world. In fact, the world's largest producer of avocados, Mexico, sent 1.7 billion pounds of the fruit to the United States in 2017.

Today, you can't go to a restaurant without seeing avocados in at least one of the dishes. In Milwaukee, there is a food truck called Vocado MKE that exclusively sells avocado toast. At the Public Market in Milwaukee, the vegan restaurant On The Bus can barely keep up with demand.

"Yeah, we definitely sell at least 10 to probably around 50 sandwiches that include avocado," general manager Emily Schicker said.

So the next time you see an avocado in the grocery store or see guacamole on the menu, you can thank the Milwaukee native turned southern California mailman, Rudolph Hass.

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Milwaukee Tonight focuses on the people, places, and events that make the community special. From artists to architecture, food to festivals, neighborhoods to nightlife - this show is a nightly reminder that our city is filled with stories to be proud of. Watch weekdays at 6:30 p.m. on TMJ4.

The market has also shifted toward online sales, with internet channels becoming the fastest-growing avenue for avocado purchases in the U.S.

The market has also shifted toward online sales, with internet channels becoming the fastest-growing avenue for avocado purchases in the U.S.

The market has also shifted toward online sales, with internet channels becoming the fastest-growing avenue for avocado purchases in the U.S.

This rising demand has had profound economic impacts on producing countries, particularly Mexico and Kenya.

This rising demand has had profound economic impacts on producing countries, particularly Mexico and Kenya.

This rising demand has had profound economic impacts on producing countries, particularly Mexico and Kenya.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer and exporter, supplying about 80% of the avocados consumed in the U.S.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer and exporter, supplying about 80% of the avocados consumed in the U.S.

Mexico is the world’s largest producer and exporter, supplying about 80% of the avocados consumed in the U.S.

and supporting approximately 300,000 jobs in Michoacán alone .

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

The profit margins for exports to the U.S.

The profit margins for exports to the U.S.

are over 50% higher than for domestic sales, incentivizing increased cultivation and export activities .

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

Kenya has emerged as Africa’s leading avocado exporter, with exports reaching about 40,000 tonnes of Hass avocados to Europe in 2022, generating significant income for smallholder farmers and contributing to rural livelihoods .

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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Title:

Content: Kenya: Efforts to Rehabilitate Maragoli Hills Achieve Mixed Results

Maragoli Hills forest in Vihiga County has suffered years of massive destruction that has left it a pale shadow of its former self.

Damage to the all-important water tower in the Western region started in the early 1990s, with locals pointing an accusing finger at the provincial administration at the time for perpetrating environmental crimes.

Today, shrubs, scattered trees, nurseries, planted seedlings and rocky hills are the key features that welcome a visitor to the 1,000-acre forest.

About 20 streams emanating from the foot of the forest have dried up, leaving behind caves that have a special meaning for locals.

They believe the caves, commonly referred to as Mungoma Caves, are the origin of the Maragoli community that is dominant in Vihiga County.

But there is hope, with the ongoing aggressive reforestation efforts supported by the national and county governments.

The challenge, however, is that the forest's restoration journey has been characterised by resistance and lack of cooperation from some people in the local community who fear they may be evicted.

Consequently, the restoration efforts are taking ages to show the expected results.

At least seven villages neighbouring the forest stand in the way of restoration efforts. They are Muguga, Idabwongo, Buhane, Inavi, Lodonyi, Liavora and Kisingilo.

The villages are home to at least 100 families sitting on about 40 acres said to be part of the forest cover.

James Babira, a representative of the communities, says locals want the county government to spearhead proper demarcation of the forest to show areas under residential homes and the forest.

On one hand, he says, residents with homes outside the hills want only fruit-bearing trees to be replanted in the forest. The trees should include mangoes, pawpaws and avocados.

On the other hand, residents with homes in the hills are cautious about the types of trees to be planted. They say the seedlings should not be of indigenous species.

The government and other partners are, however, keen on reclaiming the water tower by planting indigenous trees.

But Mr Babira notes that locals are not against the noble cause but are raising "pertinent issues" that must be addressed to achieve the desired results.

Another hurdle is title deeds and compensation.

Most of the 100 families fear they could be evicted and want to be given title deeds in addition to getting involved in reviving the forest.

Breathe new life

This is their ancestral home, says Mr Babira, adding that the families have lived there for more than 50 years.

"The county government is yet to fully involve locals and reach them and that is why they are uprooting the seedlings. Planting indigenous seedlings without proper structures that align with locals will not make restoration efforts fruitful."

Residents have reached out to the government leadership and are still pushing on.

"They know this as their home and they have a culture associated with it. They have buried their people here and so they will not wish to leave. Any plan to relocate them will not materialize."

But it appears all is not lost in the restoration efforts.

The Vihiga County government says indigenous seedlings planted in recent months have sprouted, giving hope to efforts to breathe new life into the water tower.

This has intensified the ongoing campaign to rehabilitate the forest, with Environment Chief Officer Richard Boiyo saying 85 percent of the 40,000 indigenous seedlings planted in May survived.

This is after Governor Wilber Ottichilo's administration resolved to involve locals.

Besides the county government, other partners involved in the campaign to reclaim the highly degraded Maragoli Forest are the Community Forest Association (CFA), Equity Bank (Luanda branch), Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

CFA chairman Caleb Adembesa notes that locals living in the forest are legal landowners, stating that they cannot "just leave this place".

But he reiterates what Mr Babira said, that they have neither title deeds nor any other legal documents to prove they own the land.

The high survival rate of the seedling, Dr Boiyo says, has paved the way for the second phase of the campaign that will see another 30,000 indigenous seedlings planted to extend the land size to 50 acres.

This is the first time efforts to reclaim the forest have returned positive results of seedlings surviving. In the past, agitated locals uprooted the seedlings to express their anger.

In March this year, the county government decided to seek the views of locals as a new approach in its attempt to rehabilitate the forest.

The move was intended to lure the hostile local community into supporting the reforestation plan.

Dr Boiyo, however, says the county government is keen to attain over 10 per cent forest cover through conservation of gazetted and community forests in the county.

He also says the devolved unit wants to promote on-farm forests as part of the strategy to attain the required forest cover.

The county official observes that it is through collective action that the forest can be restored so as to enhance the ecosystem.

dmusalia@ke.nationmedia.com

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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?

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?

Companies like Kakuzi PLC in Kenya reported exporting avocados worth Sh94 million for smallholder farmers in a single year .

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

The economic output from avocado imports has also increased in the U.S., with GDP contributions from these imports rising to over $6.1 billion annually .

Title:

Content: Skip to main content
ABC Rural

Avocado oversupply drives prices through the floor, forces farmers to let fruit rot

By Meg Bolton
Posted , updated
Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article
abc.net.au/news/avocado-oversupply-forces-farmers-to-let-fruit-rot/100529294

A pair of Sunshine Coast farmers say they have no choice but to watch their avocados die on trees as Australian growers battle with a market oversupply.

Production has doubled in the past decade as farmers cash in on the nation's appetite for the fruit, leading to smaller growers being priced out of the market.

Wolvi farmers Julie and Tony Pratt have had to make some difficult decisions after making a profit of just 4 cents per avocado on a recent delivery to a major Queensland market.

They say letting their produce rot is now the most economical decision.

"We know you shouldn't do it, [but] we don't have a choice," Mr Pratt said.

The couple bought their 1,000-tree property four years ago and were anticipating 2021 to be their strongest season.

It has been their worst.

"One dollar an avocado [in the supermarket means] all farms are losing money -- doesn't matter whether you're a small family farm or a corporate farm," Mr Pratt said.

"What really hurts is when you see that fruit not coming from Australia.

"It makes it pretty hard to get up the next morning and start up irrigation pumps to prepare for the next crop."

The season would usually end in September in the Gympie region, but the Pratts still have fruit on trees after taking a risk and waiting to see whether supermarket prices would rise.

The gamble did not pay off.

"Because of the sheer volume on the market, there's close to half a million trays a week coming onto the market from various parts of Australia," Mr Pratt said.

Money not growing on trees

Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas said more trees coupled with a good growing conditions had significantly increased market supply.

"This year we're seeing a massive increase in production with a lot of young plantings coming online," he said.

Last year the nation's growers produced almost 90,000 tonnes, but Mr Tyas said 120,000 tonnes would be produced in the next year.

Industry representative Hort Innovation launched an advertising campaign in June to increase demand for the rapidly growing supply.

Marketing manager Matthew Dwyer said oversupply was the industry's biggest challenge.

"What we want to do is ensure that consumers know the value of the product," he said.

He said the advertisement was a success -- after four months, research showed two out of three consumers were more likely to buy avocados.

Call for locals to support their own

The Pratts turned to selling their crop on social media for the first time to survive the season.

They also had family members manning roadside stalls, which Mr Pratt never imagined they would have to do.

"We just need to shift more volume and it's a lot more work," he said.

But with production increasing at a rapid rate, Mr Pratt said there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

"If you look at a lot of these big farms, whether that's in North Queensland, Central Queensland -- these are guys that have planted thousands of trees," he said.

"It's the first year that those farms are getting any yield from those first few plantings.

Mrs Pratt urged consumers to buy locally grown fruit.

"We have to share our stories for them to understand that they need to put their money where their mouth is and go, 'Right I'm spending, I'm making the choice to spend at my local fruit and veggie shop','" she said.

Posted , updated

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?

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?

In Rwanda, EU-supported projects have aimed to improve the horticulture value chain, including avocados, benefiting over 21,000 smallholder farmers .

Title:

Content: Home Business & TechEconomy EU, The Netherlands to Support Construction of Horticulture Wholesale Market In Kigali

EU, The Netherlands to Support Construction of Horticulture Wholesale Market In Kigali

by Daniel Sabiiti
2:04 pm

Amparo Gonzalez Diez

The European Union (EU) in Rwanda has committed to improving the local horticulture value chain and revealed that there is a plan to open a new Kigali wholesale market which will be the largest in the East African region.

Amparo Gonzalez Diez, the EU First Secretary and Team Lead- Development, Environment, Climate, Biodiversity and Gender made the remarks this week on April 29, during the closure of a four-year project dubbed “Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chains” (HVC).

The project was implemented by Oxfam Rwanda in collaboration with three local implementing partners – (COCOF, DUHAMIC ADRI, and DUTERIMBERE ONG) from 2020- 2024 in four districts: Nyagatare, Kamonyi, Rulindo and Nyamagabe impacting on lives of over 21,000 smallholder farmers.

The project, which focused on 9 horticultural value chains, adopted an inclusive business approach, combining private sector development with inclusive growth objectives, to unlock the potential of Rwanda’s horticultural sector.

The nine crop value chains included Avocado, Passion fruit, Pineapple, eggplant, French beans, hot pepper, onions, tomatoes and flowers.

Godfrey Gakwandi

End projects results presented at the closure event showed that activities (skills and capacity building) reached over 21, 000 Rwandan rural farmers of which 53% were female (over 11,200) small holder farmers- with 4,100 of them in Nyagatare, Kamonyi- 7,649; Rulindo- 6, 254; and Nyamagabe- 3,409.

The project generally witnessed an increased productivity and responsiveness to climate change and market demand, enhanced returns for smallholder horticultural farmers, and access and capacity to meet market demands.

It also strengthened policy and regulatory frameworks to support smallholder farmers’ productivity, income, and marketing improvements.

As a way of sustaining the project impact, Diez said that the EU family, which has a portfolio of €380million, plans on supporting an inclusive resilient agricultural sector of which horticulture value chains are inclusive.

In this package, Diez revealed that there is the Kigali wholesale market, supported by the Netherlands, EU; but also the Government of Rwanda, which will be the first wholesale market in East Africa to be built in the special economic zone in Kigali.

“We do believe that this will increase volumes and quality particularly for horticulture value chains and will be a key development- a major milestone for rural farmers to be able to access more markets and increased revenues,” Diez stated.

Godfrey Gakwandi, an Oxfam Rwanda official who presented the project activities and end results said that there is sustainability especially banking on the skills and mindset change more results are expected in future.

“We have seen farmers adopting skills and technology in farming and learning innovative ways of farming and knowing the value of certification at the farm and market level,” Gakwandi said.

Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chains project beneficiaries and their products on display

Benefiting farmers stated that despite acquiring skills and capacity to increase and innovate in their farming activities, the project has been a booster to start addressing the challenge of accessing markets- one of their biggest hurdles.

Diez said that through the ongoing EU-funded Kungahara project to boost local production and consumption of healthy, sustainable, and nutritious food, they expect an exchange with Oxfam Rwanda so as to reach more farmers in the project which is now operational in 21 districts at a tune of €11million.

Egide Mutabazi, a Crop Products and Market Analyst who represented the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resource said that the government prioritizes agricultural value chain to increase production and asked partners to sustain this project by focusing on improving farmer’s mindset and skills development.

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However, the economic benefits are not evenly distributed and are accompanied by significant environmental concerns.

However, the economic benefits are not evenly distributed and are accompanied by significant environmental concerns.

The expansion of avocado farming has led to widespread deforestation, particularly in Mexico’s Michoacán region, where forests are cleared to make way for avocado orchards .

Title:

Content: Companies

UK’s Tesco keeps ban on Kakuzi avocados

Summary

  • Britain's largest supermarket chain, Tesco is yet to reinstate avocado supplies by Kakuzi as it presses for compressive human rights reforms by the Murang’a-based agriculture firm.
  • The British retailer on October 11, 2020 temporarily dropped Kakuzi as its supplier of avocados pending investigations into alleged assault and sexual misconduct by some of its employees.
  • The ban stands nearly a year later, even as sources told the Business Daily that Tesco pressed for deeper reforms to safeguard the rights of workers and the communities living around the Kakuzi farms.

Britain's largest supermarket chain, Tesco is yet to reinstate avocado supplies by Kakuzi #ticker:KUKZ as it presses for compressive human rights reforms by the Murang’a-based agriculture firm.

The British retailer on October 11, 2020 temporarily dropped Kakuzi as its supplier of avocados pending investigations into alleged assault and sexual misconduct by some of its employees.

The ban stands nearly a year later, even as sources told the Business Daily that Tesco pressed for deeper reforms to safeguard the rights of workers and the communities living around the Kakuzi farms.

Through its Kent-based parent Camellia Plc, Kakuzi has been sued over the alleged human rights violations by its employees— which it has denied. The UK-listed company Camellia owns 50.7 percent of Kakuzi.

Law firm Leigh Day said that 79 Kenyans had launched a legal claim in the High Court in London against Camellia for alleged human rights abuses by security guards employed by Kakuzi, its Kenyan subsidiary. The allegations, dating from 2009 to January 2020, include rapes, attacks on local villagers, and a man being beaten to death, Leigh Day said.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed Kakuzi this week pledged to accelerate human rights reforms to comply with international standards.

“We are taking any issues on human rights extremely seriously,” Wilson Odio, the Kakuzi assistant general manager in charge of corporate affairs, told the Business Daily in an interview on Wednesday.

“We are cognizant of the fact that going forward businesses will more and more have to observe human rights in the course of their operations. Kakuzi does not in any way entertain human rights abuse of any sort.”

Dr Odio cited some recently instituted measures to address the claims.

They include the employment of a manager in charge of human rights issues, an audit by a global firm on the impact of its operations on human rights, and the establishment of a dedicated operational-level grievance reporting mechanism that will provide multiple avenues through which our employees and the community can raise issues they would like the company to address.

Kakuzi has also appointed former Attorney-General Githu Muigai to chair the company’s newly created Independent Human Rights Advisory Committee (IHRAC) that will provide technical advice to the board of directors.

“They have already started working. Their work is to advise Kakuzi on human rights issues,” said Dr Odio.

Camellia said earlier it would take remedial measures and undertake governance reforms, and encourage its subsidiaries to do the same with an aim of better handling potential future abuses.

The measures include funding of charcoal kilns and access to firewood, building two social centres for community meetings, and employing predominantly female safety marshalls on Kakuzi’s farm “to give visible reassurance to those using access routes and particularly women.”

Dr Odio said Wednesday, Kakuzi has built new roads to give community residents better access to local amenities and hired some as marshalls.

“We are doing what we have to do ensure that where there are human rights issues, they are addressed,” Dr Odio said.

Camellia and its local subsidiary are trying to win back the confidence of customers in Europe who value ethical corporate behaviour nearly as much as the quality of produce.

The value of avocado supplies by Kakuzi to the UK and other countries in Europe in the half-year period to June this year fell by 52.88 percent to Sh137.2 million from Sh291.2 million in a similar period a year earlier, according to Kakuzi’s latest financial statements.

Resolving of the human rights disputes will be important in Kakuzi’s readmission as a supplier of avocadoes to UK supermarkets, including Tesco that suspended their orders after the alleged abuses were reported by UK’s Sunday Times.

Supermarket chains Sainsbury’s and Lidl also suspended Kakuzi supplies last year in the wake of the reports.

Kakuzi’s net profit for the first six months of this year dropped 28.6 percent to Sh194.6 million compared to Sh272.8 million in the review period, attributed to Covid-19 lockdowns and related restrictions by the company.

The human rights row cost Kakuzi and its parent firm Camellia a total of Sh1.1 billion in legal fees and payments to the victims in Kenya and Malawi.

Tesco operates over 3,961 grocery stores in the UK and Ireland, including franchise stores.

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?

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?

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?

This deforestation reduces carbon sequestration capacity, disrupts local ecosystems, and threatens biodiversity .

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 environment?

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

In Kenya, the Maragoli Hills forest has suffered substantial destruction attributed to agricultural practices such as avocado farming, resulting in drying streams and biodiversity loss .

Title:

Content: LIFESTYLE

Dr. Kevin Korus: Laurel wilt poses a threat to Florida-grown avocados

Dr. Kevin Korus
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Given its many ports of entry, Florida is often faced with a host of invasive species that threaten our native and agricultural ecosystems. One such invasive species from Asia, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), was actually introduced to the United States through a port in Georgia. Since its entry into the U.S., however, this beetle has spread to several states in the Southeast.

The ambrosia beetle is a wood-boring insect that creates tunnels and galleries found in both the sapwood and heartwood of trees. These galleries in the heartwood can be diagnostic (although many other wood-boring beetles will create similar tunnels). Other symptoms of infestation include sawdust at the base of the tree and “frass straws” protruding from the perfectly round entry holes. The beetle infestation itself is typically not enough to cause severe damage or death to a tree; however, beetles can have a symbiotic relationship with a plant pathogenic fungus called Raffaelea lauricola. This fungus is released from the beetle and can move inside the tree via the vascular system and water-conducting tissue. The tree senses this infection and sends tylose and gums to block off the pathogen. Unfortunately, this ends up blocking the xylem tissue as well, and causes rapid desiccation (drying out) of the upper canopy.

The disease caused by this fungus is called Laurel wilt, as trees belonging to the family Lauraceae are particularly susceptible. Trees in this family include redbay (Persea borbonia), swamp bay (P. palustris), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and avocado (P. americana).

Initial symptoms of Laurel wilt include dieback in the upper crown. Leaves at the top of the tree wilt and eventually turn brown. Some leaves will fall off the tree and others may remain. Exposing the vascular system of the tree will reveal long brown or black streaks. If you suspect a tree on your property has Laurel wilt, consider submitting a sample to a Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for confirmation.

Systemic fungicides have been used in commercial avocado groves to provide prophylactic control of this disease; however, treatment is too costly for most homeowners and is not a feasible option. Several contact insecticides are effective in controlling the ambrosia beetle, but in order to be efficacious, they must be applied with perfect timing before the beetle enters the tree. Studies have shown that infections are reduced in higher lighting conditions. Therefore, pruning canopies to increase sunlight penetration may help reduce the amount of infection.

Promoting tree health also can reduce the likelihood of infection. Ensure that trees are adequately watered and pruned, and have sufficient fertilizer. Any stress (drought, freeze, flooding, etc.) will cause trees to become more attractive to the ambrosia beetle. Early detection is key to keeping Laurel wilt from becoming prevalent in the environment. Scout trees often for symptoms, and remove and destroy (burn, bury or chip) trees that have been confirmed to have the disease. It is important to remove the entire tree, root system and all, as the fungus can move from tree to tree via root graphs.

This disease would be devastating if it reaches the avocado-producing regions of California, Mexico or Central America. As Florida residents, we have an obligation to be good stewards of the land and do our best to ensure this disease does not move west. If you suspect a tree on your property has Laurel wilt, contact your local Extension agent for further analysis.

For more information about Laurel wilt, visit UF/IFAS EDIS Publication #HS1360: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1360.

— Dr. Kevin Korus is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Contact him at kkorus@ufl.edu or 955-2402.

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

In the Amazon, agricultural expansion, including avocado cultivation, has contributed to deforestation, with four of the ten Amazonian cities with the highest deforestation alerts in 2023 located in the state of Amazonas .

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Finally, the long-awaited avocado bonanza arrives

MONEY & MARKET
By Graham Kajilwa | January 10th 2022
By Graham Kajilwa | January 10th 2022
MONEY & MARKET

If there were to be a list of the three things that bother Kenyans today, the crazy prices of avocados would feature without a doubt.

Of late, these prices have hit the roof. An acute shortage in some markets has raised the standard of this fruit to an almost luxurious product.

A few years before avocado was as glorified as a super fruit, the price for a reasonable size of this ‘green gold’ was as low as Sh10 or at most Sh30 from the local vendor.

To some villagers, it was used to feed animals with farm gate prices being as low as Sh5 per piece. But now, the price of a fruit is averaging Sh60.

Currently, an avocado that costs Sh20 or Sh30 is not even attractive to the eye. While the prices of avocados have been steadily rising even in the international markets, the recent absence of the fruit has been prompted by the Directorate of Horticulture’s decision to restrict exports.

Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya Chief Executive Okisegere Ojepat attributed the high prices of avocados in the local market to the restricted export of the fruit, leading to controlled harvesting.

Due to restriction, limited avocados are being exported until later next month as farmers are required to only sell mature fruits. “For that reason, there is little in the market,” said Ojepat.

He explained that the supply in the local market is dependent on international supply as the fruits Kenyans buy are mostly those which do not meet international export standards.

Some of them are small in size, have scratches or bruises. “For that reason, you can be assured if there is not much export, the domestic market feels the heat,” he said. The Jumbo variety is what is mostly sold in the local market. However, this is the only variety now with an open market.

While announcing the decision to restrict export of avocados last month, the Director, Horticultural Crops Directorate, Benjamin Tito, said this would ensure farmers do not export immature fruits. “We are shipping too much but what (the money) we get in return is too little,” said Tito at a press conference.

He said harvesting and exporting of immature avocados has negatively affected the image of the country in overseas markets, in addition to interfering with the cropping cycle of the trees - hence reducing the projected volumes.

According to the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, avocado is the topmost fruit being shipped out of the country.

According to the association’s 2021 report, shipment out of the country has been increasing: rising from 3,406 in 2017, 5,833 in 2018, 8,525 in 2019 to 9,666 in 2020. In terms of volume, the figure has been going up from 38.7 million in 2017 to 71.7 million in 2020.

Data from the Horticultural Crops Directorate paints the same picture as shipment in kilogrammes increased between January and July last year to 67.1 million kilos. The period between June and July 2021, however, saw a drop to 9.8 million and 4.6 million kilos respectively, from the double-digit in May of 10.9 million kilos.

Currently, fruits constitute 34 per cent of shipments of fresh produce from Kenya, with avocado having the lion’s share.

“The Kenyan avocado recorded 9,990 shipments in 2020, shipping to 57 destinations from 35 in 2017,” reads the Fresh Produce Logistics 2021 report by the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya.

The report names avocado as among the fruits that have demonstrated consistent growth over the last five years, with others being mango, passion fruit, raspberries and pineapples.

“On avocados and nuts, Kenya has only exploited 38 per cent of its potential, which means there is still room to grow,” it adds.

The US and Pacific are some of the areas that have the potential to buy Kenya’s avocados.

Avocado Society of Kenya Chief Executive Ernest Muthomi said globalisation had increased demand for the fruit. The universality of the fruit and its use as a spread for bread or smoothie also plays a key role.

“This craze is international,” he said. “And the growing of avocados in Kenya is fueled by this – the international demand. That is why you hear some funny stories of some few Kenyans exporting immature avocados.” He said while Kenyans are also eating avocados just like anyone else in the world, the international prices as stated seem more attractive to a local farmers and exporters, hence the preference for exports.

Prices in the last three years as been a fruit go for Sh25 at the beginning. “Now we are talking about Sh40 or Sh45 for a big size fruit,” he said. The average price per box for export is Sh400 when you get it directly from the farmer.

Pressure on local prices will continue, owing to huge demand globally. It might take 50 years for global demand to be met since there are market openings in India and China.

“Some of it (shortage) is being fueled by the processing of local avocado into other products. Like some are using avocado to process oil,” he said.

As more factories are set up with international demand rising, scarcity is likely to continue unless production goes up.

“Avocados are going to be expensive,” he said. “But thank God people are planting them in areas where they have not been growing before, like Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Bomet.”

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Kakuzi turns on the charm after Sh694m hit for rights abuses

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By Boniface Gikandi and Wainaina Wambu | August 17th 2021

The art of image management is likened to the engineering of public consent.

And for several months now, agricultural-multinational firm Kakuzi must have given public relations scholars enough study material.

This follows a tumultuous year in which it had to shell out £4.6 million (Sh694 million) in an out-of-court settlement with 85 victims who had sued the firm for human rights abuses.

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The Makuyu-headquartered company in Murang’a County, which trades on both the Nairobi and London exchanges, has been on an overdrive to repair its tainted image.

Last week, it appointed former Attorney-General Githu Muigai to lead its human rights reforms in what is aimed at settling alleged abuses on its expansive farm, including rape and violence.

Githu will chair the firm’s newly created Independent Human Rights Advisory Committee (IHRAC), whose role will be providing technical advice to the board of directors.

Alongside IHRAC, Kakuzi has also enacted an Operational-level Grievance Mechanism, benchmarked against the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Members of the IHRAC include former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Board member Grace Madoka, former Finlays Kenya Legal and Human Resources director Dr Brenda Achieng, and Kakuzi’s non-executive independent director Andrew Ndegwa.

Kakuzi also retained the services of public relations firm Oxygene Marketing Communication Ltd to help shore up its media image. Oxygene is headed by several former journalists with years of experience in Kenya’s media landscape.

Scores of blue-chip firms and top government agencies have the marketing firm on retainer and it’s famous for having the best crisis managers. It appears like the company has been working quietly to fulfil the conditions of the out-of-court agreement.

Interviews with several victims of the alleged abuses reveal they have received their payments.

Most of the families have since invested in upgrading their dwellings.

The company has also bought youths in the area motorbikes as a way of empowering them financially.

Kakuzi is majority-owned by the UK’s Camellia Plc, which entered an out-of-court settlement with the victims after a case filed by law firm Leigh Day in a British court. The company paid a heavy price over the allegations, losing lucrative supply contracts for avocados to leading UK supermarket chains, including Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Tesco when the news of the court case filtered in last October.

Kakuzi is sparing no expense in rebuilding its image and has also gone big on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

It’s now among the first companies to align itself to best practices. For example, in April, it “welcomed” a global report by the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), acknowledging the commitments it has made on labour rights.

In November last year, Kakuzi announced changes to its board in a shake-up that saw John Kibunga Kimani appointed as a non-executive director.

Mr Kimani is Kakuzi’s largest individual shareholder but couriously went without a director’s seat for years.

Kimani is said to have been born into a squatter family at the expansive Kakuzi farms. These strong societal ties to the land are believed to be his driving force in acquiring shares in Kakuzi, which is estimated to sit on more than 39,000 acres in Murang’a South.

The move has seen Kimani-backed squatters make it into the top 10 list of Kakuzi shareholders in just a few years.

A visit to the area around Kakuzi shows the firm has initiated development programmes and hired “gender-sensitive” guards to man its vast installations in a bid to endear itself to the community.

It has also additionally opened at least two public roads cutting across its plantations after the neighbouring community accused it of unlawfully blocking the roads, forcing them to use the circuitous routes to access their homes from the nearby highways. Two roads were opened last week in a public function.

Residents of Mwania Mbogo, Kirima, among other villages at the edge of the farm, used to travel more than 15 kilometres to access Kinyangi chief’s offices and health centre, a distance that has now been cut by over 10 kilometres following the opening of the new roads.

Almost daily, Kakuzi has been splashing pictures of its CSR activities on its social media pages, including notices of where individuals can lodge complaints against its workers.

Community health worker Antony Thuku said the opening of the roads makes a big difference in the lives of the local population.

Mr Thuku said the Sunset-Kahuro and Sunset-Kinyangi roads are 3.5 kilometres and four kilometres long respectively.

“We are opening a new chapter with Kakuzi and especially get an easy way for the sick to easily be taken for treatment at the health centre,” said Thuku.

Monica Nyaruai recounted how expectant mothers had suffered for ages due to a circuitous bumpy route to access the nearest maternity services at the Makuyu Health Centre.

“It might appear a small gesture, but the opening of the road is a big relief to many of us who have the unpleasant experience,” said Ms Nyaruai.

She also lauded the firm for ensuring there are more female guards than men in a bid to end instances of sexual molestation of women trespassing on the firm’s land, which formed a significant part of the petition that had been filed in the UK.

Ithanga Member of County Assembly Waweru Mwangi said the political leadership in the area is happy that the company has made some amends to comply with the out-of-court settlement.

“What is important is mutual respect from the two partners going forward so that we may never get into a similar situation again,” said Waweru.

The firm is also helping rehabilitate infrastructure at local schools, with Kakuzi Primary School being one of the major beneficiaries. Kakuzi General Manager Willis Odiyo pledged more assistance to the neighbouring communities, especially in addressing water provision and renovation of schools.

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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 environment?

In Michoacán, the high water demand has led to depletion of local water sources, raising concerns about water scarcity and conflicts over water use .

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 environment?

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

In California, avocado farmers face challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures and water scarcity, which have caused crop losses and reduced yields .

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Planners grapple with how to preserve Oceanside’s agricultural heritage in Morro Hills

Residents oppose building homes on farmland, but city needs to provide more housing

Oceanside is updating its General Plan, a roadmap for growth over the next 30 years. But residents see a red light in the city’s proposal to allow more homes in South Morro Hills, an area long dominated by commercial agriculture.

“South Morro Hills is the elephant in the room,” said Oceanside Principal Planner Russ Cunningham in a recent presentation to the city’s Planning Commission.

The region includes about 3,500 acres or 5.5 square miles in the city’s northeast quadrant, an area dominated by farming for nearly a century. Many people hope to preserve the area’s agricultural heritage, despite the increasing pressures on growers to sell out to developers because of the rising costs of labor and water, property values and the statewide housing shortage.

City planners have suggested several ways to continue farming in Morro Hills. One idea is to keep the region’s minimum 2.5-acre lot sizes, but allow what planners call “cluster development,” which would place pockets of homes on smaller lots among the farms.

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Agri-tourism is often promoted as another way to keep farming viable.

Wineries, wine-tasting and U-pick orchards and gardens would add income, attract visitors and raise the profile of Oceanside’s agricultural products. The area produces avocadoes, tomatoes, strawberries and cut flowers, and has nurseries for succulents and all kinds of home and commercial landscaping plants, shrubs and trees.

Other ideas are welcome, Cunningham said. But state law requires the city to recognize that growth will continue and more housing will be needed.

“We don’t want to suggest that there is only one way to preserve farmland in Morro Hills,” Cunningham said.

Dozens of people at the Planning Commission’s meeting last week said the city should keep its agricultural zoning throughout South Morro Hills. As a result, the commission voted unanimously to continue the discussion to their April 25 meeting, where more information about possible alternatives will be presented.

City planners also have decided to separate the South Morro Hills Community Plan from the General Plan update. Those two plans now will go to the City Council separately for approval.

“The city has determined that it would be beneficial for both the General Plan Update and the (community plan) to place these efforts on separate tracks,” Cunningham said by email Friday. “We hope to bring the updated General Plan and the Smart and Sustainable Corridors Plan forward for final adoption before the summer of 2023.”

Land use and development plans in the General Plan update outline ways the city could add 3,000 new single-family homes and 1,500 accessory dwellings in existing neighborhoods by 2050.

If the South Morro Hills Community Plan is adopted, it could add 400 more homes. However, the 400 homes proposed there are not necessary to meet the city’s state-mandated housing, so it’s not an essential part of the General Plan.

“Given the current lack of consensus around the future of South Morro Hills, it make sense to allow the (regional plan) to proceed at its own pace, giving community members more time to assimilate information, get their questions answered, and explore solutions,” Cunningham said.

“City staff continues to believe that allowing clustered housing and some additional residential density in exchange for conservation of at least 75 percent of existing farmland remains the most viable, market-responsive approach to protecting the city’s agricultural heritage,” he said. “We also believe this approach makes robust agritourism more feasible, by providing revenue for necessary infrastructure.”

Some community members have other ideas, and it’s important for them to be heard, he said.

Many longtime Oceanside residents have said for years that the best way to preserve South Morro Hills is to leave it alone.

“We are strongly opposed to any plans or recommendations for dense housing in South Morro Hills,” said Barbara Collins, a Sierra Club chapter officer and 24-year Oceanside resident.

The Sierra Club supports the “smart and sustainable corridors” concept outlined in the General Plan’s housing element, she said.

That concept promotes infill development in parts of the city where services and public transit already are available. It emphasizes encouraging new homes and jobs near major intersections and along the commercial corridors of east-west thoroughfares such as Oceanside Boulevard, Mission Avenue and Vista Way.

“We do not need dense development in South Morro Hills to meet that,” Collins said.

Building homes on land zoned for agriculture is sprawl development and leads to a host of conflicts, others said.

“If you put housing next to farmland, people are going to complain,” said resident Cindy Davenport. “Housing and farming just don’t mix.”

Pesticides, herbicides, dust, tractors and noise are all part of farming, and many people don’t want to live near those things.

Others said the rural area of Oceanside is unprepared for the increased growth. The access is poor and roads are narrow. Water and sewer lines are insufficient. And taxpayers citywide could be billed for a large share of the infrastructure costs.

“Traffic is bad now,” said a Jeffries Ranch resident. “I can’t imagine what it would be like” with more homes.

Wildfire is another concern. During the Lilac fire of 2017, the area was evacuated and thousands of people found themselves stuck in traffic for hours on state Route 76 as they fled the flames.

The blaze burned 4,100 acres and destroyed 157 structures before the winds eased up and spared South Morro Hills.

Most of the city’s General Plan update has encountered little opposition so far.

The City Council adopted a first phase of the update on May 8, 2019, with elements on economic development, energy and climate action, and a climate action plan. Together, those three elements encourage a sustainable approach to accommodating growth.

The second phase of the update will include the remaining state-mandated General Plan elements — land use, circulation, housing, conservation and open space, community facilities, safety and noise.

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In Kenya, companies like Kakuzi have constructed 19 dams to collect rainfall for irrigation during dry seasons, highlighting the importance of water security in sustainable avocado farming .

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

The shift toward monoculture avocado farming also disrupts local ecosystems, leading to declines in native plant species and wildlife .

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

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity, as seen in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, where orchard expansion disrupts wildlife corridors .

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Content: Mexican avocado production to fall in 2021-22 - FreshFruitPortal.com

Mexican avocado production to fall in 2021-22

Mexican avocado production is forecast to fall by eight percent year-on-year in the 2021-22 season, according to a USDA GAIN report.

The country is expected to produce 2.33 million metric tons (MMT) between July 2021 and June 2022, following a record volume year in the previous season.

"Growers state that they are expecting needed tree recovery after record productivity and production (especially in Michoacán) in the MY 2020/21 season," the report said.

"Additionally, insufficient rainfall and high temperatures are likely to reduce production and yields in non-Michoacan producing states."

Mexico is forecasted to export 1.33 MMT in 2021-22, eight percent lower than the previous season, on lower production. Exports to the U.S. are forecasted at 1.04 MMT.

Michoacán, the only state with phytosanitary approvals to export to the U.S. typically exports approximately 85 percent of production.

According to the USDA, profit margins for export to the U.S. are typically more than 50 percent higher than supplies sold to the domestic market. Michoacán also exported 22 percent greater volumes in 2020/21 than the previous MY to non-U.S. markets, on increased production. Canada, Japan, and Spain were the main destinations.

International demand for avocados from Mexico continues to increase, and producers without access to the U.S. market continue to seek international markets with higher profitability than the domestic market. Jalisco exported 26 percent more volume than the previous marketing year in 2020/21, mainly to Japan, Canada, France and Spain.

Planted and harvested areas are forecasted at 227,126 hectares (ha) and 225,910 ha respectively, with a national yield of 10.30 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha).

Harvest reaches peak from October to February, with average supply from March to May, and low season from June to September.

Annual per capita consumption is seven kilograms (approximately 15 pounds) per person. While a staple in Mexican cuisine, avocado consumption has not grown in recent years because of high prices driven by increased international demand.

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Invasive species, such as the redbay ambrosia beetle in Florida, further threaten avocado trees and local biodiversity .

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Content: HAB study reveals fastest growing retail channels for avocado purchases

HAB study reveals fastest growing retail channels for avocado purchases

A recent Hass Avocado Board (HAB) avocado channel segmentation study has revealed the fastest growing retail channels for avocado purchases.

As a companion piece to Rethinking Retail: Avocado Shopper Segmentation, released earlier this year, the research helps the industry understand key shopper segments better, by diving into the retail channels where shoppers purchase avocados, and outlines key purchase metrics within each retail outlet.

According to the study, which was based on household purchase data from the IRI Consumer Network, grocery claimed the majority of avocado purchases across all shopper segments in 2020, but lost dollar share to the internet and large format channels since 2017.

The Internet, Walmart, and Club channels contributed a combined $123.2 million in incremental avocado purchases, accounting for the majority of total net category growth from 2017-2020.

Moreover, the Internet channel emerged as the fastest growing channel for avocado shoppers over the past four years, showing growth of nearly 334 percent since 2017 for avocado purchases. This growth added $30.5 million in purchases to the category over the 3-year period.

Since 2017, the Internet channel has more than doubled its share of avocado purchases, driven by an 11 percent increase in annual household spend and a 30 percent increase in the number of avocado purchase trips.

Club Stores have the second highest share of avocado purchases at 14 percent, with the second highest growth rate at 26 percent since 2017. Club store purchases accounted for an additional $55.6 million for the category, making it the largest contributor of incremental purchases over the 3-year period.

In addition, Ultra shoppers were found to be more likely to purchase avocados across multiple retail outlets. The Ultra segment made up a smaller portion of avocado shoppers across all retail channels in 2020, yet these shoppers hold the largest share of avocado purchases in every channel.

Furthermore, the study concluded that Ultra shoppers are also more likely to make repeat purchases, make more purchase trips per year, and have the highest avocado spend per trip of any other segment across all channels. These higher purchase trends and the multi-channel shopping behavior of Ultra Shoppers is a key factor in the changing retail landscape.

In conclusion, the channel segmentation study highlights that the industry can leverage key shoppers in the internet channel, capitalize on opportunities to generate engagement in high-growth channels with Ultra shoppers, and create marketing and promotional opportunities that bring in shoppers and increase purchase frequency in each channel.

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The environmental footprint of avocado farming is thus significant, with concerns about soil health, water depletion, and ecosystem degradation .

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Content: Commodities

Agency nabs 32 tonnes of smuggled avocados on Tanzania border

Last week, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) seized 32 tonnes of avocados that were being smuggled to Tanzania as traders seek to evade an export ban now in its second month.

AFA’s Horticulture and Crops Directorate (HCD) impounded four lorries at the Namanga border point ferrying the fruits in a crackdown that has shed light on the new methods employed by fresh produce traders to ship the fruit abroad via Tanzania.

HCD acting deputy director in charge of regulation and compliance Collins Otieno said it had emerged that once the consignments are in Tanzania, they are exported to other destinations.

“The vehicles were full of immature avocados packaged in gunnery and polythene bags, contrary to the regulations,” said Mr Otieno.

Read: Molasses prices up 10 times over illegal exports

In November last year, the directorate put a temporary ban on sea exports of avocado to allow the fruits to mature. The ban affects the Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocado varieties primarily cultivated by Kenyan farmers for export.

Over the last 10 years, the directorate has employed bans to restrict exports to air shipments between November and February due to insufficient volumes to fill sea containers.

Those involved in the export of immature avocados risk various penalties, including cancellation of their licences.

The traders favour exporting through Tanzania because it enjoys tax exemptions due to its categorisation as a least-developed country, unlike Kenya, which faces import duty in some countries.

“AFA will continue to enhance implementation of the Horticultural Crops Regulations 2020 that even stipulates how avocados should be transported. Carrying the fruits in gunny bags and polythene bags enhances contamination. Avocados are supposed to be transported in crates and cartons,” Mr Otieno said.

Industry players warned that the new trend, if not tamed, might hurt Kenyan exports in the international market, where it is reputed for producing quality fruits.

Read: AFA withholds sugar firm licences on breaches

Last week, the directorate deployed officers in all avocado growing areas to undertake a survey to examine the fruit's quantities and maturity levels before lifting the harvesting suspension.

Kenya is a prominent African avocado producer, with key export destinations such as the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, France and Spain. In September 2023, Kenya deepened its presence globally after exporting the inaugural consignment of 400 kilogrammes of avocados to India.

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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 environment?

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

Social effects on local farming communities are complex and often mixed.

Social effects on local farming communities are complex and often mixed.

On one hand, avocado farming has created jobs and economic opportunities, supporting hundreds of thousands of workers in Mexico and providing income for smallholder farmers in Kenya and Rwanda .

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?

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

On the other hand, the industry has attracted criminal activity, particularly in Mexico, where cartel violence and extortion threaten the safety and livelihoods of local farmers .

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Content: Temporary suspension of avocado shipments from Mexico after death threats to U.S. inspector.

In the last six weeks, Michoacán producers exported more than 135,000 tons of avocados to the United States.

(MICHOACAN Mexico) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS-USDA) has decided to pause avocado inspection activities in Michoacan until further notice.

The U.S. sanitary authority informed Mexico the decision was made after one of its officers, who was carrying out inspection work in Uruapan, Michoacán, received a death threat call.

APHIS-USDA reported that an investigation is currently underway to evaluate the threat and determine the necessary mitigation measures to guarantee the physical integrity of all its personnel working in Michoacán.

APHIS personnel and representatives of the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers and Exporters of Mexico (APEAM) are currently meeting with local and state police to address the issue.

The announcement was made hours after the U.S. government expressed dissatisfaction about violence against journalists in Mexico, including the very president Lopez Obrador who has tried to impose himself against those who criticize his government and his family, involved in multiple possible corruption cases. Among those: His brothers receiving cash contributions for the president’s party, AMLO’s cousin Felipa, with multimillion-dollar contracts with the government, and his son, who lived in a Texas residence that belonged to a high executive of Baker Hughes.

The news is a blow to the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the United States being the top consumer of Mexican avocados, which each year snaps up several thousands of tons of guacamole, a favorite Super Bowl snack.

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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?

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?

The lucrative nature of the avocado trade has made it a target for organized crime, leading to violence and even temporary suspension of U.S.

The lucrative nature of the avocado trade has made it a target for organized crime, leading to violence and even temporary suspension of U.S.

The lucrative nature of the avocado trade has made it a target for organized crime, leading to violence and even temporary suspension of U.S.

imports due to threats against agricultural inspectors .

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Content: Cattle, timber, and violence threaten communities along the Madeira River in Brazil

In 2023, four of the ten Amazonian cities with the highest deforestation alerts are in the state of Amazonas, according to the federal government's satellite monitoring data
By Isabel Harari
 17/05/2024

“WE’LL ‘DRAG THE CHAIN’ when it stops raining.” The threat made by a logger frightened the riverine people of the Madeira River, who live in communities in the city of Humaitá, in the southern Amazonas, in Brazil. It is precisely there that the “new deforestation frontier” in the Amazon has solidified. The advance of cattle ranching and logging is driving the destruction of the forest—and quickly.

“Dragging the chain” is a reference to a rustic and archaic way of cutting down the forest. In this method, a thick chain is stretched between two tractors that advance through the forest, quickly felling everything in their path. The promise of “dragging the chain” on the lands is scheduled for when the drought hits the region in mid-May.

Historically, the state Amazonas has been distant from the main deforestation fronts in the region. But this reality has changed in the last five years. In 2023, the state had four of the ten Amazonian municipalities with the highest deforestation alerts, according to data from the government’s satellite monitoring.

“Our Brazil nut grove is gone. Wherever we used to walk, there was water and we encountered animals of all kinds. Today, we can’t even find a game to kill, to eat,” complains Valdino Mota, a farmer who lives in the community of Santa Rita, also known as Pirapitinga, on the banks of the Madeira River, one of the localities facing deforestation in the region.

Far from being an isolated fact, deforestation in southern Amazonas impacts hundreds of conservation units and indigenous lands in the area influenced by BR-319, the highway connecting the Amazonian capital Manaus to Porto Velho, in the state of Rondônia. In February alone this year, 700 hectares were deforested in the municipalities surrounding the highway.

Inaugurated in the 1970’s, the highway was never finished, but it is still stimulating profound changes in the region. The promise of paving, for example, has already caused an explosion of illegal branches: in five years, more than 1,500 kilometers of side roads have been built, almost double the total length of the federal highway.

“BR-319 is a vector of deforestation and land speculation. The announcements [of paving] generate this speculation, so there is a rush to occupy areas, as this land is worth more deforested,” says Fernanda Meirelles, executive secretary of the BR-319 Observatory, a network of civil society organizations operating in the highway’s influence area.

One of these roads, known as “Line 17”, runs from the district of Realidade, near Humaitá. The construction of “Line 17” began in 2016 and already stretches for 45 kilometers towards riverside communities on the banks of the Madeira River, such as Santa Rita.

The branch ran over two settlements along the way: the Agroextractivist Settlement Projec Botos and the Sustainable Development Project Realidade. Mota’s family is one of over 400 who own plots in the settlements and make their living from there.

Brazil nut trees were burned, açaí collection areas were destroyed, and pastures took the place of forests. In just two years, between 2021 and 2022, 5,500 hectares were deforested along “Line 17” considering an area of five kilometers around the branch.

“Soy is coming, cattle are coming. They say progress is coming, but what kind of progress is that? It’s violent and very fast. There are already many hungry riverine people,” warns Sister Ivonete Paes, from Área Missionária Ribeirinha, an organization that serves 65 communities in the region.

Only 10 cans of açaí

There are lots of Brazil nut, cocoa, peach, rubber, and açaí trees in the community of Santa Rita. Mota’s father planted many of the trees in the region. He is proud to have been “raised in extractivism”. In the past, the harvest was so abundant that the riverine people “couldn’t even carry [the produce].”

For decades, the riverine communities have been developing techniques for planting and managing agricultural and extractive products – such as Brazil nuts and açaí.

However, the encroachment of deforestation threatens diversity. Droughts and forest fires have depleted fish stocks in the rivers and scared animals away from the forest, as the riverrine people report. The harvest used to yield 40 cans of açaí per person, now, at best, it yields only 10 cans, due to the drastic changes.

“As these deforestation fronts advance, they not only obliterate biodiversity but also erode the traditional ways of life,” alerts Dioneia Ferreira, coordinator of the Transdisciplinary Network of the Amazon and researcher at the Center for Sustainability Studies at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

With the disappearance of hunting game and fish, the diet of riverine communities has shifted. Canned meat and other processed foods have become commonplace on their tables. “Some communities struggle to meet their protein needs in a meal because the surrounding area is being ravaged,” Ferreira points out.

This process constitutes a “grave violation of human rights,” asserts Camilla Holanda from the Labor Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rondônia. According to the prosecutor, deforestation and cattle ranching “are bulldozing over the traditional ways of life of these populations.”

“They plant grass, but what are we supposed to eat? Nobody eats the ground. We need to cultivate the land to feed ourselves,” complains farmer Marilena Pantoja, whose farm borders a grazing area.

Intimidation and violence

The advance of deforestation is anything but peaceful. There are reports of intimidation and violence, including “warning shots” fired at the walls of a neighboring riverine settler’s property, adjacent to a plot sold for pasture expansion.

Communities are being denied access to areas where they used to gather Brazil nuts and açaí, once communal spaces now sold off to outsiders. “They plaster the area with signs prohibiting entry, and they’re even stationing people hidden in the forest to prevent anyone from coming near. Once you step in, there’s a risk you may never return,” shared one farmer anonymously.

Violence in rural areas has surged in the past year, with over two thousand conflicts documented in the “2023 Land Conflicts” report by the Pastoral Land Commission. In the region known as “Amacro”, which is made up of the states of Amazonas, Acre, and Rondônia, eight people were murdered. The figure remained unchanged from 2022, bucking the national trend of a 34% reduction in such incidents.

Amazonas has seen a increase in conflicts, soaring from an average of 25 between 2010 and 2016 to 75.6 between 2017 and 2023—a 200% surge. According to the Pastoral Land Commission, most of these disputes occur in the southern and central regions of Amazonas, areas witnessing rapid expansion of agribusiness interests.

“They’re selling [plots] and they’re slowly killing each other. Today someone is alive, tomorrow he can be dead. Because of land,” told another river dweller, who also asked not to be identified.

"If we don't stop them, the slavery will return"

Pressured by the loss of territory and without work options, some riverine people are involved in deforesting areas to develop pastures. Most of the people who do the work come from outside the communities – from Humaitá or even from other states, such as Amazonas and Mato Grosso.

Repórter Brasil spoke with two people who worked in forest clearing, and both reported terrible living conditions, food, and safety during the endeavor.

The worker Pedro* tells that he woke up every day around 6 a.m. to go to the forest management area and only returned to the campsite around 5:30 p.m. His diet mainly consisted of flour, bologna, and dried meat that he prepared himself upon returning from work.

Working to clear a forest is dangerous. There have been reports of machete accidents and trees falling on the workers. “The risk of dying is high,” Pedro said. It is exacerbated by the lack of access to any healthcare: “If happened an accident where we were, and we had to carry someone who can’t walk, I don’t think he’d survive,” he said.

The only safety equipment Pedro had was “a boot he had brought from home.”

João*, another worker interviewed, also received no support. “I would just wear regular clothes, long sleeves, long pants, and boots,” he said.

“I know of people who had serious accidents. Sometimes they get hit [by a machete], sometimes it’s a snakebite. Everything happens because you’re walking in the rough forest,” João said.

João and Pedro spent weeks in a makeshift tent camp at different times. The precarious structure made it difficult to rest at night. “When it rained, nobody slept, we had to wait it out. When it rained with wind, it would come in under the tarp and soak everything,” João said.

In the last 20 years, 477 workers in conditions analogous to slavery have been rescued in Amazonas—mostly in livestock or deforestation activities. The data comes from the Ministry of Labor and Employment systematized by Repórter Brasil and the Pastoral Land Commission.

“The Amacro region [Amazonas, Acre, and Rondônia] has many sawmills, but there is no discussion about the social aspect involved, nor about the implementation of public policies to prevent slave labor and workplace accidents,” explained prosecutor Camilla Holanda, who is also the regional coordinator of the National Coordination for the Eradication of Slave Labor.

Cases of slave labor in Amazonas represent just over 1.3% of the total in Brazil. Far from indicating good working conditions in the state, the statistic hides low inspection rates, according to Holanda. “Getting the Brazilian state to reach these areas involves structuring the inspection mechanisms in the region,” said the prosecutor.

Under the radar, deforestation encroaches upon the riverine communities of the Madeira River. Without the forest, farms, açaí, or Brazil nuts, the communities fear for the future.

“If we want to survive, we’ll have to work for them [deforesters], looking after their farm,” said Pedro. The worker who had his house hit by gunfire is more categorical: “If we don’t stop them, the slavery will return”.

*Fictitious names to preserve the workers’ identities

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APOIE

A REPÓRTER BRASIL

Sua contribuição permite que a gente continue revelando o que muita gente faz de tudo para esconder

LEIA TAMBÉM

Pecuária e madeira avançam sobre as comunidades ribeirinhas do Rio Madeira, no município de Humaitá, no Amazonas (Foto: Fernando Martinho/Repórter Brasil)

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

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

In Kenya, while the industry empowers smallholder farmers, market oversupply can cause economic instability, forcing farmers to let avocados rot due to low prices .

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 crises have happened on the global avocado market in the recent years?

What crises have happened on the global avocado market in the recent years?

Export-oriented production can marginalize small-scale farmers who lack resources to compete internationally, and environmental degradation from large-scale farming can undermine livelihoods dependent on healthy ecosystems .

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

Land rights and displacement are additional social concerns.

Land rights and displacement are additional social concerns.

In Kenya, local communities have faced fears of eviction as agricultural companies expand onto ancestral lands, leading to resistance against reforestation efforts aimed at environmental restoration .

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
land grabbing

In Brazil, agricultural encroachment has caused violence and intimidation against indigenous peoples, disrupting traditional lifestyles and reducing biodiversity essential for their sustenance .

Rising land values due to avocado farming can pressure smallholder farmers to sell their land to developers, potentially displacing them and disrupting local agricultural practices, as observed in places like Oceanside, California .

Title:

Content: ESCONDIDO, Calif., — There’s no doubt about it, the temperatures have been downright cold these last few nights, even landing our inland communities down to freezing temperatures.

If consistent, it could become bad news for local farmers who are at risk of seeing their crops damaged.

Ben Holtz is a local generational farmer in North County and is the creator of California Avocados Direct. FOX 5 joined him Monday evening while he made the rounds checking on crops as freezing overnight temperatures loomed, with some areas expected to drop to the 20s yet again.

“Twenty-six will usually hurt most crops, avocados, are closer to 30 to 31,” Holtz explained when referring to temperatures.

After a frost Monday morning in the valleys, another icy start to the day is in store with a Frost Advisory in place by the National Weather Service, but according to Holtz, the frost won’t be as damaging as one would expect.

“So far the cold temperatures haven’t gotten that low for that long, you know, citrus and avocado need about four hours of sustained cold temperature to do damage,” Holtz said.

At least for now, the groves FOX 5 walked upon will be just fine, especially thanks to recent light rain.

“Having rain and having wet soil actually helps prevent frost because…it takes more energy to freeze everything, because you’ve got the water in there,” Holtz said.

There are also preemptive measures that help keep low temperatures at bay, like wind machines which help keep the cold air from sitting still in the lower areas by spreading warmer air from higher elevations.

It’s the same story for Lynda Carter, who runs a small mom-and-pop farm in Escondido. Over the years, trial and error has been her best friend, but not all crops are susceptible to the negative consequences of the cold.

“Peaches, plums, nectarines, they do well, they need a freeze. They like hot summers, and they like a freeze in winter,” Carter explained.

Last winter undoubtedly took its toll on our North County Avocado Farms as a prolonged winter stunted growth, leaving farmers reaping consequences in present day.

“It’s usually hurtful to have less pieces to sell, the price just can’t get high enough to cover the cost if we can’t get enough pieces,” Holtz said.

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
land grabbing

Human rights abuses have also been reported in avocado supply chains.

Human rights abuses have also been reported in avocado supply chains.

Human rights abuses have also been reported in avocado supply chains.

In Kenya, Kakuzi, a major avocado supplier, faced allegations of sexual assault and violence against local communities by security personnel, leading to the suspension of avocado supplies by major UK retailers until reforms were implemented .

Title:

Content: SMEs get information portal on export market opportunities

Small and medium sized enterprises eyeing the export market will soon access an information portal on how to improve their businesses abroad.

The exporters portal will contain information regarding the requirements for participating in export trade as well as market intelligence on the products that are likely to do well in the export market.

“The information on the platform will be provided through various windows, which will take aspiring exporters through the market requirements, as well as walk them through the exporting process. Exporters will also get an opportunity to engage experts on the subject matter via the platform,” noted Dr Wilfred Marube, CEO of The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).

Marube said the platform, which took a year and a half to develop, is complete and only remains to be officially launched.

It was formulated through stakeholder collaboration to create a digital linkage with other government agencies such as KenTrade, the Kenya Plant Health Inspecorate Service, among others.

This collaboration was aimed at reducing the inefficiencies caused by repetitiveness in licensing among other processes that SMEs have to go through before they qualify to conduct business in the export market.

“There is a lot of duplication and repetitiveness in the export business. Many times, you find an SME has to go through a list of 10 requirements from different state agencies to meet the threshold for exporting. We wanted to have a situation whereby at any point, anybody walking through the portal can access all the information they need about exporting,” said Dr Marube.

Register sellers

The platform will also register sellers in the local market, and buyers in the foreign market, allowing them to transact on the digital space.

By extension, this move is expected to remove unscrupulous middlemen from the supply chain.

“We understand that we need to link very many players, that is the entrepreneurs, the producers and exporters with other players in government departments as well as in private sector, and that is what this platform seeks to do,” the CEO added.

Marube said KEPROBA has also initiated an exporters academy as part of its efforts to boost the volume of exports. The Academy has training modules which seek to create awareness around export trade.

He noted that there are many people who have potential to become exporters but are not aware that there are opportunities within the export ecosystem. The academy also seeks to generate interest and encourage more people to participate in export trade, by outlining some of the loopholes they can use to easily benefit from the business.

“The export sector has numerous value chains, and it is not just about exporting these products in their rawest form. We can have value addition, where we move to exporting packaged products which could fetch us more money.”

That means one does not have to be a producer or farmer to be able to export. You can buy the products locally, take them through the due process in value addition then export.

Statistics indicate that Kenya is yet to tap into its full exporting potential, with most of its produce consumed locally. However, an increase in international demand for Kenya’s produce has seen this change, and over the years, the volume of exports from the country has been on an upward trajectory.

According to data from the Horticulture Directorate, the volume of avocado produced, for instance, has jumped by almost 60 percent over a course of 10 years from 145,000 tons to 365,000 tons to meet the growing demand in the export market.

Fruit exports

Avocado now accounts for nearly half of the country’s fruit exports, and nearly one fifth of the country’s horticultural exports. In the year 2020, Kenya exported nearly 70,000 tons of the fruit, a 16 percent jump from 59,000 tons exported in 2019, fetching the country Sh14 billion in foreign revenue.

This figure of avocado exports, among other horticultural produce could go higher, but a lack of awareness on the requirements from foreign markets has impeded many small holder farmers from participating in export trade.

“There are many things that people do not know about the export market. The European Union, for instance, in its policies cannot purchase any produce grown in a deforested area, so, if you cut trees to plant pineapples for instance, the EU cannot purchase those pineapples,” noted Dr Marube.

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20 Books About Food, Agriculture, and the Environment on Food Tank’s Spring 2023 Reading List

To celebrate Spring, here are 20 books to foster reflection and dialogue around where our food comes from, rewilding, cultural transformations, and much more. In Fevered Planet, read how our agricultural practices, travel, and dietary habits have created ideal circumstances for the emergence and rapid spread of new diseases. Turn to Black Earth Wisdom for lessons from some of the leading Black environmentalists. And for an in-depth perspective on rural farming communities, look no further than Love for the Land: Lessons from Farmers Who Persist in Place by Brooks Lamb.

These 20 titles will broaden readers’ conceptions of our food systems and inspire ongoing action to protect the environment.

1. A Year Full of Veg: A Harvest for All Seasons by Sarah Raven

Drawing from her extensive experience, Sarah Raven provides valuable insights on the most productive and dependable crop varieties to grow, her personal favorite crops, and uncommon vegetables, herbs, and salads that aren’t readily available in stores. Along with planting recommendations, Sarah also shares her expert advice on cultivating and harvesting flavorful crops throughout the year, using straightforward, effective, and efficient techniques that guarantee a fresh supply of ingredients for the kitchen.

2. Avocado Anxiety: and Other Stories About Where Your Food Comes From by Louise Gray

Louise Gray unravels the intricacies of the food system we participate in by following the daily intake of fruits and vegetables from the fields to our tables. She investigates the ecological impact of fruit and vegetable cultivation through farm visits, interviews with scientists, and her attempts at growing her own produce. From organic potatoes to greenhouse tomatoes and an abundance of courgettes, she reveals the truth behind each item in our shopping baskets.

3. Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations With Black Environmentalists by Leah Penniman

In Black Earth Wisdom, Leah Penniman, the author of “Farming While Black” and co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, emphasizes the significance of ecological humility as an integral aspect of Black cultural legacy. In this contemplative anthology, renowned Black environmentalists, who have honed their ability to heed the Earth’s voice, unite to impart the insights they have gained.

4. Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic by Emily Monosson (forthcoming July 18, 2023)

In her book Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic, Emily Monosson explores how factors such as trade, travel, and climate change are contributing to the growing threat of invasive species. Through intriguing case studies that offer both cautionary tales and reasons for hope, Monosson illustrates the fragile web of life on our planet and the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness with it. Blight serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and respect in our interactions with the natural world and encourages readers to view the richness of life on Earth with a sense of wonder and appreciation.

5. Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua

Rebecca Solnit, called the voice of the resistance by the New York Times, and climate activist Thelma Young Lutunatabua, along with other influential voices, deliver an argument for optimism about climate change in their book, Not Too Late. This publication is a must-read for individuals who feel hopeless, defeated, or uncertain about the issue and are seeking solutions. The contributors to this book stress that the actions we take now will determine our future, and we must confront institutional inaction, fossil fuel interests, and political obstinacy head-on.

6. Ever-Green Vietnamese by Andrea Nguyen

In Ever-Green Vietnamese, Andrea Nguyen challenges the common misconception that Vietnamese cuisine is primarily centered around meat-filled dishes like beef pho and sandwiches. Instead, Nguyen showcases the long-standing Vietnamese tradition of incorporating a diverse range of plants and seafood into their dishes. Drawing from natural resourcefulness and Buddhist practices, the book features a wealth of flavorful and comforting recipes that celebrate herbs and vegetables.

7. Fevered Planet by John Vidal (forthcoming June 22, 2023)

Fevered Planet by John Vidal reveals how our agricultural practices, dietary habits, travel destinations, and scientific experiments have created ideal circumstances for the emergence and rapid spread of deadly new diseases. Through extensive coverage spanning over 100 countries and the latest scientific studies, the former Guardian environment editor takes us on a journey to disappearing forests in Gabon and Congo, wildfire-scorched valleys near Lake Tahoe, and heavily polluted urban areas to highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant diseases with the destruction of our planet.

8. Grain and Fire: A History of Baking in the American South by Rebecca Sharpless

In her latest book, historian Rebecca Sharpless demonstrates that the history of baking is more complicated than it may seem. Grain and Fire reveals how three culinary traditions collided to shape baking in the contemporary American South. And as Sharpless traces the influences of Indigenous, American, and African techniques, she reveals the hidden meaning behind everything from the proportion of ingredients to the ingredients themselves.

9. Love for the Land: Lessons from Farmers Who Persist in Place by Brooks Lamb

Author Brooks Lamb draws on in-depth interviews and personal experiences in two evolving rural communities to present a compelling narrative about the challenges and triumphs of farmers, local leaders, agricultural service providers, and land conservationists. In this captivating work, Lamb highlights the resilience and determination of these often-overlooked individuals and argues that their stories offer valuable lessons for both rural and urban communities. Through their experiences, Lamb shows readers a path forward that prioritizes the needs of people, places, and the planet.

10. On the Emergence of an Ecological Class: A Memo by Bruno Latour and Nikolaj Schultz

In this concise work of seventy-six talking points, Bruno Latour and Nikolaj Schultz argue that for the ecological movement to gain independence, it needs to articulate a narrative that acknowledges, embraces, and accurately represents its goals within social conflict. Building upon the idea of a new ecological class, this book asks: how can a self-aware ecological class emerge and take effective action to shape our collective future?

11. Re-envisioning the Anthropocene Ocean by Robin Kundis Craig

Re-envisioning the Anthropocene Ocean is a comprehensive collection of perspectives from prominent scientists, lawyers, humanists, and Indigenous leaders, all highlighting the precarious state of the ocean in the modern era. By combining new essays with historical narratives from previous ocean writers, Author Robin Kundis Craig provides a diverse and multifaceted view of the future of our planet’s oceans. With contributions from a broad range of experts, this volume is a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand the complex issues facing the world’s oceans today.

12. The Accidental Ecosystem: People and Wildlife in American Cities by Peter S. Alagona

Accidental Ecosystem: People and Wildlife in American Cities describes the transformation of cities across the United States from having scarce wildlife to becoming havens for diverse wild creatures. The author, Peter S. Alagona argues that the rise of animals in urban areas was unintentional and resulted from human actions taken without regard for the welfare of the creatures. The book covers various cities including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Austin, Miami, Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

13. The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions for Everyone by Heidi Roop

This accessible handbook provides the general public with a roadmap for taking action, presenting 100 feasible ways for readers to make their lives more eco-friendly. Through this reader-friendly guide, readers gain an understanding of why and how they can contribute to addressing the challenges facing our planet’s climate.

14. The Digital Age in Agriculture by Mehmet Ozguven

Mehmet Metin Özgüven’s The Digital Age in Agriculture, equips readers with valuable insights to make informed decisions and enhance agricultural productivity. The book delves into several topics, such as precision agriculture and animal husbandry, the utilization of agricultural robots and unmanned aerial vehicles in farming, and image processing and machine vision. The Digital Age in Agriculture confronts a range of obstacles that the agriculture of today faces.

15. The Hidden Universe: Adventures in Biodiversity by Alexandre Antonelli

The Hidden Universe introduces a new voice in popular science, shedding light on the urgency of preserving and revitalizing biodiversity. Alexandre Antonelli, the science director of a prominent research organization specializing in plant and fungal sciences, delves into the intricacies of biodiversity, from genetic makeup to ecosystem functioning, and emphasizes its crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change. Antonelli’s expertise and passion make him the ideal guide for readers seeking to understand the importance of protecting our planet and securing our future.

16. The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas

In The Intersectional Environmentalist, prominent activist and advocate, Leah Thomas offers readers an introduction to the interconnectedness of environmentalism, racism, and privilege. The book emphasizes the need for amplifying marginalized voices in the fight to safeguard the planet. Thomas’s insightful and urgent analysis of the critical challenges facing both people and the environment underscores the need to dismantle privilege and build a future based on equity and justice.

17. The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by Jose Andres (forthcoming September 12, 2023)

Featuring a collection of recipes designed for home cooks and accompanied by inspiring stories from chefs and local cooks who have provided meals for millions of people affected by disasters worldwide, The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope is a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of food to bring people together. The book  includes a diverse range of dishes and experiences that are sure to inspire readers. By purchasing the book, readers will be supporting the emergency response efforts of World Central Kitchen, as all author proceeds will go towards the organization’s humanitarian mission.

18. US History in 15 Foods by Anna Zeide

US History in 15 Foods is a captivating exploration of 15 foods that have played significant roles in shaping the history of the United States, from pre-European colonization to the present day. Through the lens of these everyday items, such as wheat bread, peanuts, and chicken nuggets, the book provides a unique and engaging perspective on major turning points in American history. With her insightful narrative and analysis, Anna Zeide offers readers a fascinating look at the pivotal role that food has played in the making of America.

19. Vegetable Revelations: Inspiration for Produce-Forward Cooking by Steven Satterfield

In his new book, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Steven Satterfield set out to help readers identify the best way to prepare a range of vegetables. But as the book evolved, he writes, his eyes were opened to “new ways of cooking” and the influence of global cuisines. In Vegetable Revelations, Satterfield provides more than 150 recipes from miso pickled shiitakes and green butter bean hummus to spice-rubbed grilled corn on the cob and garam masala pumpkin pumpkins. And with each one, he helps readers think about how a food’s texture influences a consumer’s experience and how they can make the most of each part of a plant.

20. Wild by Design: The Rise of Ecological Restoration by Laura J. Martin

Wild by Design is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which amateur and professional ecologists, government agencies, and interest groups have come together to create an approach to environmental management that seeks to honor and preserve the agency of other species. Author Laura J. Martin demonstrates how the history of ecological restoration can provide valuable insights for shaping effective climate change policies. With its compelling message, Wild by Design is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental activism and conservation.

The post 20 Books About Food, Agriculture, and the Environment on Food Tank’s Spring 2023 Reading List appeared first on Food Tank.

Read more https://foodtank.com/news/2023/05/books-on-food-tanks-spring-reading-list/

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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

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

Kakuzi settled legal claims with 85 victims for £4.6 million and pledged to implement reforms, including establishing an Independent Human Rights Advisory Committee .

Title:

Content: Commodities

James Finlay banned by Starbucks in tea plantation sex scandal

Beverage firm Starbucks has stopped purchasing tea from Kenya’s James Finlay and Company which was part of agricultural operations that has been engulfed in a sex scandal exposed by BBC News.

Over 70 women working at farms operated by James Finlay and Lipton Teas and Infusions (the successor of Unilever) said they had been sexually abused by their supervisors.

In the wake of the scandal, Starbucks issued a statement saying it was "deeply concerned" and that it had taken "immediate action" to suspend buying from James Finlay and Company in Kenya.

UK retail chain Sainsbury’s also indicated it could stop buying tea from the local producers.

"These horrific allegations have no place in our supply chain,” Sainsbury’s was quoted in the BBC News article. The scandal follows a similar one at Kakuzi which saw UK supermarkets including Tesco and Lidl suspend the purchase of avocados from the agricultural firm in 2020.

The boycotts come amid a high emphasis on ethical supply chains.

[email protected]

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

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

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

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

These cases underscore the need for corporate accountability and improved labor conditions in the avocado supply chain .

Title:

Content: Commodities

James Finlay banned by Starbucks in tea plantation sex scandal

Beverage firm Starbucks has stopped purchasing tea from Kenya’s James Finlay and Company which was part of agricultural operations that has been engulfed in a sex scandal exposed by BBC News.

Over 70 women working at farms operated by James Finlay and Lipton Teas and Infusions (the successor of Unilever) said they had been sexually abused by their supervisors.

In the wake of the scandal, Starbucks issued a statement saying it was "deeply concerned" and that it had taken "immediate action" to suspend buying from James Finlay and Company in Kenya.

UK retail chain Sainsbury’s also indicated it could stop buying tea from the local producers.

"These horrific allegations have no place in our supply chain,” Sainsbury’s was quoted in the BBC News article. The scandal follows a similar one at Kakuzi which saw UK supermarkets including Tesco and Lidl suspend the purchase of avocados from the agricultural firm in 2020.

The boycotts come amid a high emphasis on ethical supply chains.

[email protected]

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?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

improving working conditions for employees

Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility in avocado production.

Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility in avocado production.

Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility in avocado production.

In Kenya, Kakuzi has established an online "Avocademy" to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques, aiming to improve crop husbandry and market access for smallholders .

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Companies like GLC Cerritos LLC in Mexico have hired sustainability directors to focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility, collaborating with organizations like Rainforest Alliance and seeking Fair Trade certification .

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Regulatory measures in Kenya restrict avocado exports to ensure only mature fruits are sold, protecting product quality and the environment .

Title:

Content: Philippine agriculture

[OPINION] The future of food: Regenerative farming is the key to securing our food future

Louise Mabulo
'Supporting small-scale farmers and producers who prioritize regenerative practices is crucial to beginning to create this more sustainable food system'

Food is an essential part of our lives, but the way we produce and consume it has enormous impacts on not only our individual health – but the health and longevity of our planet.

Unfortunately, the food industry’s large-scale pursuit of fast, easy, and cheap food has come at the massive expense of our environment, and it is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollution.

In the Philippines – where 40% of the population relies on agriculture, and a sector that contributes 20% of the country’s GDP – many people are faced with challenges like food security, sustainability, and environmental problems. Additionally, small-scale farmers face challenges accessing markets and obtaining fair prices for their products, further perpetuating poverty and food insecurity.

The good news is that we’re not too late to do something about it, and through a combined effort, we have the power to reverse this situation.

As Earth Day 2023 draws near, it’s the perfect time to contemplate the future of our food industry, and begin the transition towards regenerative food systems that close supply chains and promote sustainable practices.

Food security comes full circle

While sustainability is about slowing deterioration, regenerative food practices go even further to future-proof what later generations will inherit of our food systems. In short, regenerative agriculture is a focus on soil health and biodiversity, which uses cover crops, crop rotation, and natural fertilizers to improve soil quality, sequester carbon, and increase yields.

If you’re not sure why this is important, think of it like this: the soil acts like the skin of our planet. It’s a barrier and an important layer that holds nutrients and water, as well as key organisms and organic matter. Without it being healthy, we simply cannot grow quality food. And with food demand set to rise by as much as 50% by 2050, and one-third of our soil estimated to be degraded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this is a big problem.

But transitioning towards regenerative food systems requires a mindset shift away from the linear “take-make-waste” model associated with conventional farming practices, and towards a more circular one that closes supply chains. This means reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials – but it also means connecting producers and consumers to create more localized food systems that are resilient to shocks and disruptions.

This is, of course, easier said than done when it comes to the dominance of large agribusinesses and the industrial food system. And this is why supporting small-scale farmers and producers who prioritize regenerative practices is crucial to beginning to create this more sustainable food system.

In 2016, I started actively engaging our farmers in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Nock-Ten, and as a result, I founded The Cacao Project, a social enterprise that promotes sustainable farming practices, supports, and empowers local farmers and communities in the Philippines. By providing training to farmers to improve their yields and income, the project promotes sustainable and high-in-demand crops, including cacao seedlings and short-term crops such as bok choy, okra, pumpkins, and more. We also utilize unused or otherwise barren lands to create productive economic forests and livelihoods for local and indigenous farmers. Our project ensures that farmers receive fair pay and are better positioned for sustainable success.

Additionally, we are continuously exploring ways to reduce waste and maximize our crop utilization. One of our recent innovations is using leaf fossilization to create stunning crafts and accessories, which upcycles waste while generating a secondary source of income for farming communities.

At the end of the day, I want to bring people closer to our food systems and cultivate an understanding of where our food comes from, how it is produced, and how it reaches our tables. It is a privilege for me to be featured in National Geographic’s Earth Day shortform Nat Geo Presents that will be premiering in the month of April where I can shed light on sustainable food systems and diets to a wide audience, creating a collective sense of responsibility and respect for the resources that sustain us.

The benefits of regenerative food systems extend beyond environmental sustainability – not only does it provide a host of natural services (such as acting as wind breakers and food shelters), it can create self-sufficient, healthier, and resilient communities.

As we approach Earth Day 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact of our food choices on the environment, and maybe make small changes to live more sustainably. Whether it be buying produce from local markets, supporting small-scale farmers who prioritize regenerative practices, reducing waste, and recycling. Let’s think before we shop and choose to live more lightly on the planet for the benefit of ourselves and future generations. – Rappler.com

Louise Mabulo is a National Geographic Explorer, chef, and founder of The Cacao Project.

Title:

Content: U.S. lifts ban on avocados imported from Mexico

The U.S. has lifted its ban on avocados imported from Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Friday. The decision comes after the USDA said one of its employees was threatened last week, prompting a halt in imports of the fruit.

The agency said Friday that its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has worked to enact more safety measures for inspectors working in the field.

Imports were halted last week after an inspector, who is responsible for making sure that Mexican avocados do not carry harmful pests into the U.S., received a threat "against him and his family" on February 11, according to a statement from the department cited by The Associated Press. The inspector had "questioned the integrity of a certain shipment, and refused to certify it based on concrete issues," the USDA said in a statement.

"The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance," the agency said in a statement Friday. "USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that made resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner."

Ambassador Ken Salazar of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico said the U.S. and Mexico will "continue working together to fortify the strong bilateral supply chains that promote economic growth and prosperity in both our countries."

Following the department's ban this week, experts warned of pricier avocados during its peak growing season in Mexico. In 2021, the U.S. imported $2.8 billion worth of avocados from Mexico, according to the USDA.

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What are the obstacles for global avocado trade?

What are the obstacles for global avocado trade?

Community initiatives, such as women in West Pokot, Kenya, engaging in tree planting—including avocados and other trees—support biodiversity and provide alternative income sources .

Title:

Content: Former White House Chef Says Coffee Will Be 'Quite Scarce' in the Near Future

And there's plenty of science to back up his claims.

Former White House chef Sam Kass is sounding the alarm on the future of coffee.

Earlier this week, the former first chef (who also acted as the White House's first-ever senior adviser on nutrition) shared in an interview with People, he's turning his attention to sustainable agriculture, as he's already worried about the sustainbility of some of the world's most beloved crops.

"A number of foods that we hold very dear to our hearts and largely take for granted are under a real threat," Kass said. "And you're seeing in the future, we're on track for a lot of those to become quite scarce and some really to be largely unavailable to most people and others just significantly increased in cost."

He specifically noted that products like wine, chocolate, shellfish, and rice are all in danger, as well as coffee, a drink the world consumes an estimated two billion cups of every single day. And Kass' comments come with merit, at least according to several recent studies.

In January 2022, researchers from the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences at Zurich University of Applied Sciences published a report evaluating the impact of climate change on coffee, cashew, and avocado in the scientific journal Plos One. The research team concluded, "Coffee proved to be most vulnerable to climate change with negative impacts dominating all growing regions, primarily due to increasing temperatures."

The team added that climate change adaptation would be necessary in most major producing regions for all three crops, and in the case of coffee, "replacement of arabica with robusta coffee in certain regions" will likely be necessary. However, even with this mitigation, the team added, "policies and strategies are required to ensure that shifts in production locations will not lead to negative environmental impacts such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, or ecosystem services."

These changes, the team added, will likely take place within the next three decades, noting, "The main coffee-producing countries investigated (Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Colombia) are all seriously affected by climate change with a strong decline in suitable areas."

This study echoes two others highlighted on Science.org in 2019, which hypothesized that at least 60% of all wild coffee species are threatened with extinction, potentially within the next decade, many of which go far beyond satisfying your caffeine craving in the morning.

"Most consumers, and even many coffee sector representatives, are unaware that there are more than two or three coffee species. There are 124 coffee species known to science, occurring naturally in tropical Africa, the Indian Ocean islands (Madagascar, Comoros Islands, and Mascarene Islands), Asia, and Australasia," the authors of one of the studies wrote in their published work in Science Advances. "These species have useful traits for coffee development, such as climatic tolerance, and especially drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, low or zero caffeine content, and sensory (taste) amelioration."

And in August, Bloomberg reported that Arabica farmers in Brazil, which represents the world's top exporter, are yet again seeing massive losses in its coffee crop, which "already had setbacks due to freakish weather, bringing lower yields that threaten to extend a global supply crunch."

Because of the shortage, Guilherme Morya, senior economic analyst for Rabobank, shared with the Financial Review, "Global prices will continue to go up, and the uncertainty on Brazilian supply is one of the main reasons."

What, then, can the general consumer do? For starters, try drinking a more sustainable cup of coffee, which begins with picking fair-trade-certified coffee products. These products must meet fair trade standards, "ensuring safe working environments and improved conditions, wages, working hours, benefits, and the elimination of forced labor and poverty," Fair Trade Certified explained on its website. "When you see a product with the Fair Trade Certified label, you can be sure it meets rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards." Also, look into a certified B-corp coffee company that must meet similar rigid social and environmental standards.

And the next step is to stay on top of the work of organizations like World Coffee Research, which works to leverage "private sector support to drive public funding to our national partners." Those partners are researching things like breeding innovation to cultivate more resilient plants and make those plants more readily available to farmers worldwide. And, if you really want to put your money where your mouth is, you can also donate to places like the U.C. Davis' Coffee Center, which goes to support its research on agricultural engineering, plant science, sustainability, and more. That way, we can all hopefully savor a few more cups of coffee in the generations to come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Innovations such as vertical farming and improved irrigation systems are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint of avocado production .

Title:

Content: Following the imposition of a temporary ban on the importation of avocados from Mexico, the United States has lifted the ban, and importation of the fruit resumes on Monday. The ban was placed on Friday, February 11, after a US fruit inspector working in the fields of Michoacan in Mexico was verbally abused and threatened with death.

The US government said the safety of Americans working in other countries is very paramount and that the Mexican government cooperated fully to resolve the crisis and ensure the safety of service personnel operating in Mexico.

“The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance,” the US Department of Agriculture said. “USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that made resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner.”

Michoacan exports 80% of its avocado production to the United States and is the only region approved by the US to export the fruit to America. Annual exports come close to $3 billion and an avocado exported into the US now costs an average of $1.43, an increase of 11% above its price in 2021.

The Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers said a security department will be set up to facilitate the export of the fruit to the United States. The specifics of the plan were not released by the association representing 29,000 avocado farmers as well as 65 packing centers in Mexico.

“With this decision, we ensure the export of the fruit and give economic certainty to farmers and laborers,” said Michoacan state governor Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla who expressed joy that the ban was lifted.

The lifting of sanctions allays fears that avocados would not be available for the Super Bowl event and the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States.

What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

Consumer awareness is also growing, with increased demand for transparency in the avocado supply chain and support for brands that engage in sustainable practices and promote fair labor conditions .

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 strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

improving working conditions for employees

Market dynamics remain volatile.

Market dynamics remain volatile.

Oversupply in regions like Australia has led to price drops as low as 4 cents per avocado, forcing farmers to let fruit rot rather than sell at a loss .

What crises have happened on the global avocado market in the recent years?

prices falling sharply
oversupply of avocados in Australia

In Kenya, efforts to improve market access include establishing exporters’ portals to facilitate trade and reduce barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises .

Title:

Content: A vertical farming business backed by Ocado has opened a new state-of-the-art innovation centre in Bristol.

Scunthorpe-founded Jones Food Company (JFC) said the centre would “end the need” for the UK to import soft fruits, herbs and cut flowers in the next 10 years.

The company believes it can grow soft fruits, flowers, vegetables - and even vines - on a commercially viable scale in the next few years.

Read more:How Tomorrow's World helped sow the seed for the fast growing vertical farm start-up

The innovation centre will act as a testbed for the produce, which will then be grown at a vast vertical farm being built in Lydney, in Gloucestershire. The 148,000 sq ft site will have growing space equivalent to 96 tennis courts when complete later this year.

JFC said its research and development team would study the growing requirements of various plants and varieties as the business evolves the produce range from the leafy greens currently grown at the original site in Lincolnshire.

The company already supplies 30 per cent of the UK’s fresh-cut basil to major retailers, equating to thousands of stores each week.

Glynn Stephens, head of growing at JFC, said: “We already know we can grow products other than leafy greens, from mushrooms to blackberries to tulips, but our task through this new facility is to push the speed of growth to work on a commercial scale.

“We want consumers to be able to pick up vertically grown peppers, tomatoes or berries at their local retailer, and know that that product is sustainable and hasn’t had to travel hundreds of miles to get to their plate.”

JFC said it had chosen Bristol for its innovation centre, in part, because of the city’s “large and well-educated” workforce from which to attract new talent.

"As a city, Bristol is among the most sustainably-minded in the UK so there is a strong attitudinal link," said James Lloyd-Jones, founder and chief executive of JFC.

Mr Lloyd-Jones said the company’s aim was to diversify its produce range at scale, so that the UK could be “wholly reliant” on homegrown fresh produce.

He added: ”It’s clear from what we've achieved and are planning that, within the next 10 years, the UK could be in a position where we no longer have to fly-in soft fruits and herbs from southern Europe, north Africa, the Caribbean or anywhere else.

“We will now be able to test, trial and adapt quickly, and I’m sure the learnings here will pave the way for not only the future of UK vertical farming, but the future of UK farming. We are at the very vanguard of a huge opportunity to develop technology that impacts consumers both here and around the world."

Ocado invested heavily in 2019, as part of a £17 million injection into the agri-tech advancement. At the time JFC was less than a year old.

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What strategies can make global avocado trade more ethical?

The global demand for avocados is projected to continue rising, presenting both opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers who must adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences [2c03d

How has avocado consumption changed in recent years?