Mexico claims that 75% of avocado packaging in Michoacán is now approved
The Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué, reported that 75% of avocado packing facilities in Michoacán are now authorized for export. Following the gradual resumption of U.S. operations that had been suspended due to a security alert.
Berdegué specified that these facilities normally handle 85% of the state’s avocado exports.
«Talks (with the United States) are ongoing to restore 100%,» the official stated in a brief post on X.
The message comes after the U.S. government announced on Friday the partial resumption of its official activities in four avocado-producing regions of the state.
In resumption, which began this Saturday, includes the municipalities of Tancítaro, Tacámbaro, and Uruapan, as well as the area between Morelia and Pátzcuaro.
U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, emphasized the Mexican government’s commitment to «rapidly strengthen» security in Michoacán. This and allow for the «immediate and gradual» resumption of the export program.
«Avocado business is mutually beneficial for the United States and Mexico,» the diplomat stated.
The temporary suspension of U.S. agricultural personnel activities in Michoacán halted certifications and shipments of avocados to the United States starting Wednesday, after the U.S. Embassy issued an alert regarding a «threat to U.S. interests.»
The measure affected inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), who are responsible for verifying compliance with phytosanitary requirements at packaging facilities authorized to export avocados from Michoacán, Mexico’s leading avocado-producing state.
