As the Super Bowl approaches, the beloved game-time snack, guacamole, might be in jeopardy. A combination of factors such as a lack of rain and warmer temperatures have resulted in fewer avocados being shipped from Mexico, leading to concerns about a potential shortage.
The state of Michoacan in western Mexico is responsible for supplying nearly 90% of the creamy-textured fruit consumed during this big game event. Unfortunately, the region has been experiencing a hotter and drier climate, leading to water scarcity in the growing areas. Lakes in Michoacan are drying up, forcing desperate avocado growers to resort to extreme measures such as sending tanker trucks to extract the last remaining water or diverting streams to irrigate their parched orchards. These actions have resulted in conflicts over water resources.
Last year, Michoacan exported 140,000 tons of avocados for the Super Bowl, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. However, this year, despite increased planting efforts, the avocado exports for the event decreased by 2,000 tons. The declining supply can be attributed to the adverse climatic conditions and water shortage that have been plaguing the region. Alejandro Méndez, the state secretary of the environment, estimates that approximately 30% of avocado orchards in Michoacan are now experiencing water stress.
In addition to the water shortage, another American favorite, tequila, is also starting to face challenges. Tequila production requires blue Weber agave, which is primarily grown in the same region of Michoacan next to neighboring state Jalisco. As demand for tequila rises, farmers are resorting to cutting down native scrub and low, thorny woods to make way for agave plantations. This deforestation is adding to the environmental concerns in the region.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, state officials in Michoacan are working on implementing a sustainable certification program for avocado production. By improving water usage and adopting environmentally friendly practices, growers can not only offer greener avocados but also increase their supply. The certification program aims to provide consumers with information about the avocados they purchase, assuring them that the fruit was not grown on deforested land and that responsible water usage was employed. A QR code on avocado stickers will allow consumers to access satellite photos of the orchards and their surrounding forests.
To fund the initiative and ensure conservation efforts, growers will be required to contribute to a fund that preserves several acres of forest for each acre of orchard. This approach aims to address the concerns raised by environmental organizations and move towards a more sustainable avocado industry.
The Center for Biological Diversity recently launched an online petition calling on grocery chains to adopt more sustainable avocado-sourcing policies. Over 28,000 people have already signed the petition, expressing their concern over the environmental impact of avocado production and deforestation in Mexico.
For consumers, there have been limited options for purchasing certified sustainable avocados year-round. However, with the introduction of the certification program, consumers will soon have access to avocados with the assurance that they were responsibly produced. However, Julio Santoyo, an anti-logging activist in Michoacan, remains cautiously optimistic about the new certification program, urging the Mexican government to take practical measures to ensure environmentally sustainable avocado production.
The current situation in Michoacan highlights the pressing need for sustainable practices in both avocado and tequila production. It serves as a wake-up call for consumers, urging them to be mindful of the environmental implications of their favorite foods. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between satisfying our culinary desires and preserving the natural resources that make these delicacies possible.
