The U.S. government inspections of avocados and mangoes in Michoacan, Mexico were temporarily suspended after two USDA employees were assaulted by assailants. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar announced that the inspections will gradually resume following recent aggression against the inspectors. The USDA inspectors work in Mexico to ensure that exported avocados do not contain any diseases that could harm U.S. crops. Despite the resumption of inspections, there is still work to be done to guarantee the safety of inspectors.
Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla of Michoacan stated that the inspectors were stopped by residents in a protest but downplayed the situation by suggesting that the inspectors were never at risk. He mentioned that state forces were providing security for avocado producers and packers in the region. Many avocado growers in Michoacan have reported threats from drug gangs who demand protection money in exchange for their safety. There have also been reports of organized crime attempting to export avocados grown in unauthorized states.
In the past, the U.S. government had suspended avocado inspections in Michoacan due to security threats, but the halt was lifted after about a week. Jalisco became the second Mexican state authorized to export avocados to the U.S. Michoacan is currently experiencing cartel violence between rival gangs, which has led to safety concerns for inspectors and producers. The State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Michoacán, advising against travel due to crime and kidnapping concerns.
Despite the new pause in inspections, it did not block shipments of Mexican avocados to the U.S. because Jalisco is now an exporter and there were already shipments of Michoacan avocados in transit. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar expressed optimism that the situation is moving towards a positive direction, but emphasized that he will not be satisfied until the inspectors can work without threats to their safety. He announced plans to travel to Mexico to meet with Governor Bedolla to address security concerns and other issues related to the trade of avocados and mangoes between the two countries.
