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Avocado Wars: Cartels and Green Gold Stir Up US-Mexico Conflict

US avocado inspectors in hot water! Find out how cartels are shaking up the avocado industry in Mexico.

In a surprising turn of events in the avocado industry, recent tensions between the US and Mexico have been fueled by cartels taking a stake in the 'green gold' trade. The uproar began when two US avocado inspectors were ambushed and held at a police roadblock in Michoacán, Mexico, raising concerns about security and the impact of criminal organizations on the avocado market. This incident has led to both countries reevaluating their approaches to avocado production and trade.

The avocado conflict highlights the complex interplay between agriculture and criminal activities in Michoacán, a region known for its avocado production. The involvement of cartels in the avocado trade has added a new layer of challenge for authorities on both sides of the border, sparking discussions on how to protect industry workers and maintain the integrity of avocado exports.

As tensions escalate, the avocado industry faces uncertainty, with potential implications for prices and availability in the US market. The clash between cartels and authorities over control of the lucrative avocado business underscores the need for strategic collaboration and innovative solutions to ensure the safety and sustainability of avocado production in Mexico.

Interesting Fact: Avocado consumption in the US has more than quadrupled since 2000, making it a staple of American diets. Additionally, Mexico is the world's largest producer of avocados, with Michoacán accounting for the majority of the country's avocado production.