‘Enormous’ profits from avocado exports drive deforestation, water shortages in Mexico

Summary

The rising global demand for avocados, particularly in the U.S., is driving deforestation and water scarcity in Mexico. The U.S. imports about 80% of Mexico's avocados, worth $3 billion, leading to illegal clearing of forests for avocado orchards. Despite laws against such practices, enforcement is lax due to the high profits and intimidation of officials. Climate Rights International suggests regulatory action to bar the sale of avocados from recently deforested lands as a solution.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The demand for avocados has skyrocketed, with U.S. consumption tripling since 2020 and significant growth in Europe.
• 💵 The U.S. imports approximately 80% of Mexico's avocado crop, amounting to $3 billion worth of avocados.
• 🚜 Over 25,000 acres of land in Mexico have been illegally deforested for avocado production, with estimates suggesting up to 70,000 acres in the last decade.
• 💧 Deforestation and avocado farming exacerbate water scarcity, as avocados consume 4 to 5 times more water than the natural vegetation.
• 🚫 The deforestation and unauthorized water use for avocado farming are illegal, but laws are not being enforced due to lack of accountability and intimidation of officials.
• 🔍 Climate Rights International has mapped out certified Mexican avocado orchards on Google Earth to identify those on recently deforested land.
• 🛒 Consumers currently have limited options to ensure they are not contributing to illegal deforestation through their avocado purchases.
• 🏛️ Regulatory action is needed to bar the sale of avocados from orchards on recently deforested land, an idea that has been proposed by Mexican officials and is being considered in Washington.
• 🌐 There is a call for supermarkets and distributors to take responsibility for sourcing avocados from law-abiding farms to combat illegal deforestation.
• 🌱 The environmental and human costs of the avocado industry highlight the need for sustainable practices and consumer awareness.

Q & A

What is the nickname for avocado mentioned in the script?

The nicknames for avocado mentioned in the script are 'Green Gold', 'Midshipman's Butter', and 'Alligator Pear'.

How has the consumption of avocados in the U.S. changed recently?

The consumption of avocados in the U.S. has tripled since 2020.

What percentage of Mexico's avocado crop does the U.S. import?

The U.S. imports around 80% of Mexico's avocado crop.

What is the economic value of the avocados imported by the U.S. from Mexico?

The economic value of avocados imported by the U.S. from Mexico is $3 billion.

What environmental issue is associated with the increased demand for avocados?

The increased demand for avocados is associated with illegal deforestation in Mexico.

How much land in Mexico has been illegally deforested for avocado production?

Over 25,000 acres of land in Mexico has been illegally deforested for avocado production, with some estimates suggesting as much as 70,000 acres in the last decade.

Why aren't the laws against deforestation and water theft being enforced in Mexico according to the script?

The laws are not being enforced because the perpetrators are not being held accountable, and officials who try to enforce the laws are exposed to intimidation and sometimes violence.

What role do forests play in relation to water scarcity as mentioned in the script?

Forests play a crucial role in replenishing water underground in a watershed. Deforestation leads to depletion of underground water, and avocado plants consume 4 to 5 times more water than the natural vegetation.

What impact does the avocado industry have on local communities and farmers in Mexico?

The avocado industry leads to serious water shortages in the regions where avocados are grown, impacting local communities, farmers, and making the situation unsustainable.

What can American consumers do to ensure they are not contributing to illegal deforestation through their avocado consumption?

Consumers can't do much individually as most avocados come from Mexico. However, they can look for avocados that come from orchards with a track record of legal practices, which can be checked using the 11-digit number on the avocado stickers and cartons.

What regulatory action is suggested to address the issue of avocado-induced deforestation?

The suggested regulatory action is to bar the sale of avocados from orchards on recently deforested land, an idea that has been proposed by Mexican officials and has gained some interest in Washington.