Avocado pickers in Mexico welcome restart of exports to US, but security fears remain

Mexican avocado pickers in the state of Michoacán welcomed the lifting of a U.S. security alert that temporarily halted avocado exports. Francisco Isidro, a 39-year-old experienced harvester, was among those returning to work just a day after the alert was lifted. He excitedly recounted how he quickly climbed a 20-foot avocado tree and filled a box with fruits bound for the United States.

Despite the happy ending, concerns remain about whether the calm will last. The region is plagued by criminal activity, with four designated terrorist organizations operating. Some producers hope the increased security will reduce violence and extortion, while others fear the tranquility may not be permanent.

U.S. authorities lifted the export restrictions after inspecting orchards and packing plants, ensuring the fruits were free of pests and safe for entry into the United States. However, the U.S. Embassy does not typically provide details about incidents that could lead to export suspensions. Inspectors now have a lesser presence in the isolated orchards, focusing instead on packing plants.

The political dimension is also significant, as Mexico hasn't exported avocados to the U.S. since 1914, when a worm was discovered in an avocado pit.