Avocados from Mexico

Throughout the 21st century the Avocado and its popularity has grown exponentialMexico is home to 30% of all avocado production in the world and also is the producer of 80% of American consumption. With recent news of a ban on avocado trade from Mexico to the United States, many citizens were left questioning what is next to come. However, this is not the first time that this particular product was banned in transportation to America. Avocados were denied access up until 1997 as an attempt to limit the number of bugs and other pests entering the country. This ban which was implemented once again during this year's Super Bowl was an effect of an American safety inspector who received a death threat and denied permission for the shipment he was to receive. With over 19 murders in the past year from dangerous avocado cartels forming in Mexico, this fruit is no joke. This ban however is estimated to result in a loss of millions of dollars within the Mexican government as they have shipped over 135 thousand avocados to America in the weeks leading up to the incident. From a geographical perspective, Mexico's climate is the perfect place for these picky fruits to grow. Multiple steps are taken in order for these fruits to succeed. Trees are needed to be cut down as avocados rely on maximum sunlight. By looking at the map above, it is obvious that these fruits tend to be grown on mountain lines which scatter southern Mexico. These mountains are experiencing unprecedented amounts of deforestation in order for more avocado trees to be planted. Seen on map are the three main focus points of avocado growth based off of tons grown per year. At the top of the list cities Jalisco, Michoacan, and Chiapas are kings of this trade. ALl of these cities are located in the southernmost part of Mexico where the climate is cool but not too cold since they are so close to the equator. They are the perfect location because of the temperature but also because of the amount of precipitation that these cities receive. Avocados require 40-50 inches of rain every year, and Southern Mexico cities are prone to monsoon storms from April to July every year. These storms bring in cooler weather during the summer along with frequent rain falls. To conclude, avocados require a very particular climate which explains the importance of the recent ban. As tensions began to rise between the American government and avocado cartels throughout Mexico, they were left with no choice but to close the trade routes down completely. Southern cities in Mexico where the weather rarely reaches above one hundred degrees, mountains are everywhere, and rain is frequent, avocados have found their home.