Mexico President Announces Security Plan to Save Michoacán Avocado Exports

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a strategic security plan and diplomatic push to restore U.S. inspection and export of avocados from Michoacán ^[1].

This initiative is critical because the U.S. previously withdrew inspectors from the region, threatening the economic stability of avocado growers and the broader agricultural trade between the two nations ^[1].

The plan involves the deployment of the National Guard to secure production areas in Michoacán ^[1]. By increasing the security presence, the Mexican government aims to protect orchards and ensure the safety of the supply chain from local instability, a move intended to signal stability to international trade partners ^[1].

Beyond security, Sheinbaum is pursuing diplomatic actions to address the specific concerns that led to the suspension of U.S. inspections ^[1]. These concerns include issues regarding deforestation, and the need for stricter compliance with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as the USMCA or T-MEC [1, 2].

The Mexican administration is working to align its environmental and labor practices with the standards required by the trade agreement ^[2]. The goal is to resolve these disputes quickly to prevent further economic losses for the growers in Michoacán ^[1].

Officials said the strategy combines internal security with external diplomacy to ensure the long-term viability of the fruit industry ^[1]. The government is focusing on creating a sustainable framework that balances high export volumes with environmental protections to satisfy U.S. regulatory demands ^[2].