Avocado exports from Mexico's Michoacán state to the United States have resumed after U.S. authorities lifted a security alert that had temporarily halted shipments. The decision to end the restriction came after an eight-day suspension and the deployment of additional Mexican troops in the region.
Avocado pickers and packing plant workers, who had been idled by the alert, are back on the job. Francisco Isidro, an avocado picker in Santa Ana Zirosto, expressed relief at returning to work and earning wages. "Thank God... and now we're getting paid!" he said.
Michoacán is Mexico's primary avocado-producing state and is home to cartels designated by the U.S. as terrorist organizations. The security alert, which did not specify the exact threat that triggered it, impacted an industry that employs approximately 200,000 people in the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors have returned to packings plants to certify fruit for export.
While some producers hope the increased security presence will reduce violence and extortion, others remain apprehensive about the long-term stability. "We'll be safe for a while, we'll see what happens next," said Valentín Rodríguez, an avocado industry businessperson.
Producers in Michoacán have previously reported paying significant sums in extortion fees, and trucks carrying avocados have been targets of robbery. In some instances, U.S. inspectors have faced assaults and detentions, leading to previous export suspensions. Officials familiar with inspector work, speaking anonymously for security reasons, noted that such incidents can arise if inspectors detect pests and face pressure not to report them.
Luis Manuel Soto, a grower and packer, shared his personal experience with threats and extortion attempts in 2024, including being pulled from his vehicle and receiving death threats. Despite convictions in some cases, the threats have continued via phone, forcing him to divide his time between his orchards, businesses, and seeking protection from authorities.
The deployment of over 1,500 soldiers to protect the avocado-growing region and recent arrests related to extortion have partially eased concerns. However, residents in areas like Santa Ana Zirosto acknowledge a mixed reaction to the military presence, with some welcoming the peace it brings and others fearing potential confrontations.
More than 80% of Mexican avocados are exported to the U.S. The industry's ability to maintain export volumes, particularly during peak demand periods like the Super Bowl, relies heavily on the uninterrupted work of certified pickers and inspectors, and the secure transport of the fruit.