USDA resumes inspection of Mexican avocado for import 18.02.2022

The USDA is re-examining Mexican avocados, allowing it to resume exports to the U.S., which cannot come close to meeting consumer demand through domestic production.

The U.S. canceled inspections on Feb. 11 after an animal and plant health inspector in Michoacan said he was threatened orally.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that it is working with Mexican government and industry officials to take “additional security measures for APHIS inspectors working in the area.”

“The safety of USDA employees who are simply doing their job is paramount,” the USDA said in a statement. “The USDA appreciates the positive relationship of cooperation between the United States and Mexico that has made it possible to resolve this issue in a timely manner.”

Michoacan is currently the only Mexican state to export avocados to the U.S., and those supplies account for about 80% of U.S. consumption, according to Rabo AgriFinance analyst David Magagna.

Last year, $ 2.8 billion3 billion imported avocados came from Michoacan. The U.S. also imports some fruit from Peru and Chile, but it is unlikely that local exporters will be able to offset losses in Mexican supplies, Magania said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in December approved imports of avocados from the Mexican state of Jalisco, but the trade is not expected to begin until May or June.

“We are grateful that both countries have decided that the United States and Mexico can continue our positive trade relations,” said the International Fresh Food Association. Chief Executive Officer Robert Gunther. “IFPA looks forward to continuing to work with businesses on both sides of the border and their governments to continue to monitor and address these issues so that consumers can continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to fresh produce.”

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