Mexican Avocado Industry Leads with First Zero-Deforestation Agreement

A landmark conservation milestone and important step towards advancing the Path to Sustainability launched in April 2025 announces the Avocado Institute of Mexico

Key Takeaways:

• The Mexican avocado industry will be first in the Mexican agricultural sector to join a federal government initiative for deforestation-free exports.
  
  
• At least 85% of the industry's 54,000 orchards are set to qualify under the new standards within the first year.
  
  
• This conservation agreement is part of the Mexican avocado industry's Path to Sustainability, which it unveiled in April to unite the supply chain behind goals to protect the Avocado Landscape of Mexico — including those related to deforestation.

DALLAS, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mexican avocado industry is leading the Mexican agricultural sector with its commitment to a binding conservation agreement with the federal government of Mexico that aims to ensure all produce exports will be deforestation-free by 2030. As the first to enter this deforestation-free agreement, the Mexican avocado industry is setting a national example and advancing its Path to Sustainability.

"It's an honor for Mexican Avocados to lead the nation in this conservation agreement. Our industry is spearheading Mexico's zero-deforestation goals thanks to our network of over 35,000 growers and more than 90 packers, who consistently work to conserve the Avocado Landscape for future generations," said Ramon Paz-Vega, Strategic Consultant for the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. "We're grateful for the government's partnership in this effort — especially as we make progress under our Path to Sustainability, which expands our commitment to protecting Mexico's forests, water, biodiversity and more."

This federal initiative includes accountability and monitoring mechanisms. It also has pathways to regularization and environmental compensation, per Mexican environmental law, for eligible orchards to secure global market access. Effective January 2026, non-compliant produce will not qualify for export.

"We appreciate the positive dialogue and collaboration with the federal government. This conservation agreement reflects our shared goal to restore and preserve Mexico's forests in action," said Enrique Audifred, Vice President of Sustainability for the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico. "Our industry will continue to build a resilient and sustainable future for the Avocado Landscape of Mexico, delivering results that go far beyond this agreement."

The Mexican avocado industry is uniquely poised for success, with at least 85% of its more than 54,000 orchards expected to qualify in the first year. A significant economic driver — supporting 78,000 direct jobs in Mexico and more than 42,000 U.S. jobs — the industry's environmental stewardship efforts will be critical for the supply chain's longevity and communities' vitality.

This federal conservation agreement is part of the Avocado Institute's Path to Sustainability. Launched earlier this year, the first-of-its-kind plan unites growers, packers, importers and exporters behind actionable objectives regarding zero deforestation, water stewardship, ecological connectivity and biodiversity. Learn more at https://avocadoinstitute.org/sustainability.

About the Avocado Institute of Mexico
The Avocado Institute was created by the parent organizations of AFM, the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) and the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) and is the one-stop digital resource that provides a deep dive into all facets of the Mexican avocado industry.

About Avocados From Mexico 
Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers & Packers of Mexico (APEAM) have combined resources to fund and manage AFM, with the intent to provide a focused, highly effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. AFM is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

CONTACT:
Ana Ambrosi
[email protected]

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SOURCE Avocado Institute of Mexico