Avocado exports from Mexico to the U.S. have resumed, a week after they were interrupted following a threat to a U.S. inspector there.
Exports from Michoacán, the only Mexican state authorized to export to the U.S., were suspended a week ago after a USDA employee on duty there received a verbal threat by telephone. The nature of the threat was not identified, but criminal gangs have been active in Michoacán, extorting protection money from avocado growers.
The Mexican trade group that handles avocado exports said that it will create an “intelligence and security unit,” and the Michoacán state government will increase security protocols, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
Mexico exported $2.8 billion worth of avocados to the U.S. last year. It accounts for 92% of all avocados imported into the U.S.
