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A major issue contributing to environmental destruction -

Avocados are particularly popular in regions such as North America and the UK, where they are not commonly cultivated and thus need to be imported. The significance of this lies in the fact that the further a food is consumed from its place of origin, the more pronounced its environmental impact becomes.

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Various components in the industry interact -

Firstly, the production of avocados requires energy, water, fertilizer, and pesticides, resulting in environmental impacts.

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The export is also important -

Tom Cumberlege, Associate Director of Carbon Trust, states that the packaging materials, energy consumption during processing, transportation, and refrigeration are additional factors increasing the environmental impact of avocados.

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Avocados are very thirsty -

They require a larger amount of water compared to other fruits (twice as much as oranges) and are frequently cultivated in water-scarce regions.

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Unending loop -

Avocado cultivation consumes significant amounts of water, exacerbating the droughts and heatwaves in Mexico and California. Consequently, avocado production becomes more challenging, leading to increased deforestation elsewhere to meet the demand for this fruit, creating a vicious cycle.

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Global demand has skyrocketed -

Global production of avocados has doubled in the past two decades to meet the rising demands, after being declared a superfood and gaining popularity as a breakfast favorite.

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Deforestation -

Due to high demand, farmers in Mexico are expanding their farms, resulting in environmental challenges such as deforestation and a rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

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Causing harm to environments and communities -

Several large UK supermarkets obtain avocados from Petorca, Chile, where water rights of local residents have been violated.

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Illegal activity -

According to reports, the plantations have allegedly set up unauthorized pipes to redirect river water for their crops, resulting in a drought for the local residents.

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Driving economic growth -

Contrary to what some believe, the commodity that is feeding American obsession and driving Mexico’s economy, particularly in the Michoacán state, is not drugs but avocados, or what residents call “green gold.”

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Expensive cost -

Mexico is the leading producer of avocados worldwide, accounting for over one third of the total supply. However, concerns about the environmental and social impact remain.

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An attractive market for crime -

In Michoacán state in Mexico, there is a fierce battle among cartels and gangs for dominance in the profitable avocado industry.

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And it is green gold indeed -

One cartel reportedly made around US$152 million in the avocado business by extorting local farmers through "taxes" and violent threats of death for non-compliance.

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More lucrative than illegal narcotics -

According to AP News, the export industry is worth US$2.4 billion per annum.

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High levels of violence -

A gang known as La Familia Michoacana gained attention in the avocado business after supposedly throwing the heads of five rivals on a dance floor in Uruapan.

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Farmers attacked -

A different criminal group, known as the Knights Templar, imposed taxes, extorted, and abducted farmers, as well as seizing their land.

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The Viagras cartel -

Named after its founder's distinctive hairstyle, this cartel, known for extorting money from farmers through "protection payments," employs drone surveillance to monitor plantations. According to reports, it also attempts to establish drug labs within the orchards.

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Jalisco New Generation cartel -

In an attempt to establish their dominance, this cartel allegedly displayed nine bodies on an overpass in Uruapan in August 2019. Additionally, they displayed a banner that urged others to "Be a Patriot, Kill a Viagra."

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Farmers are generally treated poorly -

Avocado farmers in Mexico have expressed dissatisfaction with their wages and concerns over gang violence, according to multiple news sources.

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Workers’ rights are frequently lacking -

Despite the lengthy and demanding workdays, the income being barely enough, the prevalence of child labor, and the inherent job insecurity, closing down the operation is not a viable option.

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Killing the avocado industry isn't the solution -

Adriana Villicaña, a professor in Uruapan, expressed to AP News that despite the crime and violence, the industry has successfully elevated numerous individuals from poverty. Moreover, it serves as a valuable employment opportunity, particularly for women.

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Killing the avocado industry isn't the solution -

Villicaña, a member of the citizen's safety advisory board, warns that if the industry collapses, the crime issue in the region could worsen. This would result in locals being forced to seek employment with criminals.

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Crime rate in New Zealand -

According to The Guardian, there were nearly 40 instances of large-scale avocado theft reported within a five-month period in 2016 due to increased demand for the popular fruit.

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China is becoming involved -

Avocados were virtually unheard of in China a decade ago, importing a mere two tons in 2010. As reported by the New York Times, the country saw a substantial increase in 2017, importing 32,100 tons.

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There may be a potential boost in avocado supply -

Chinese businessmen, with state support, are said to be establishing avocado plantations in Guangxi province in southern China.

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Can avocado be a fruit of trade? -

If China is able to create an avocado that is comparable to the avocados from Latin America, but at a lower cost, it could result in a significant change in the global market, leading to concerning consequences for Mexican farmers. 

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Is there a solution? -

While it may be beneficial to reduce the avocado obsession, in terms of the environment, they are still preferable to animal-derived foods in the grand scheme of things.

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Plant-based foods have a lower environmental impact -

Cumberlege claims that avocados have a smaller carbon footprint compared to eggs and are only half as impactful as bacon. It is worth noting that avocados can be cultivated in more eco-friendly manners to further decrease emissions.

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Avoid wasting them; make good use -

If it’s too much for you to stop eating avocados completely, just make sure you don’t let all of these consequences become a browned, inedible mess.

See also: Prevent avocado from browning with this simple trick

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