California avocado growers are expressing concern over a recent decision by the U.S. to transfer pest inspections of Mexican orchards to the Mexican government. Since 1997, inspectors hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been responsible for preventing the import of avocados infected with insects and diseases. However, threats and violence against these inspectors in Mexico have led to the suspension of inspections in the past.
The California Avocado Commission has raised questions about whether Mexico's own inspectors would be able to withstand such pressure. The current inspection process involves inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) monitoring Mexican orchards and packing houses to ensure that exported avocados do not carry pests that could harm U.S. crops.
