Mexico's avocados star in some of Americans' favorite dishes. Beyond the plate, the fruit is driving real economic impact on both sides of the border.

• 🇺🇸 In the U.S., the Mexican avocado industry in 2024 supported 42,000+ jobs and contributed $4.2 billion to the U.S. GDP, with an economic output of $7.5 billion to the U.S. economy.
• 🇲🇽 In Mexico, 35,000+ avocado growers — most of which are small family farmers — helped create 78,000+ direct jobs in 2024, with an economic output of $6 billion to the Mexican economy.

To support long-term economic impact — and further satiate Americans' appetites — the Mexican avocado industry is launching The Path to Sustainability.

🥑 Why it's important: More than 80% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico.

Thanks to the area's rich volcanic soil, natural irrigation and unique topography, Mexico is currently the only place in the world that can consistently supply the increasing U.S. demand 365 days a year.

• Okay, but: To preserve this lush "Avocadoland" for future generations, strengthening sustainable practices is essential.

The background: Mexican avocado growers and packers have long prioritized environmental protection. Their work has laid the foundation for today's sustainability efforts.

• Now, the industry is formalizing this existing culture of care with The Path to Sustainability — a comprehensive plan to embed environmental best practices into the entire avocado supply chain.

The goal: The Mexican avocado industry is committed to sustainability and quality, from the orchards to consumers' tables — while achieving net-zero deforestation, well-being and prosperity in the avocado landscape of Mexico.

• The industry aligned on commitments and goals and designed a roadmap for implementation with interconnected programs throughout the supply chain.

The result: The Path to Sustainability defines clear short-term and long-term commitments and milestones to drive real, positive impact across four priority areas.

💧 Water

A recent study by Tecnologico de Monterrey found that more than 60% of Michoacán's avocado orchards rely solely on rainfall. Another 35% of orchards use sustainable, high-tech systems like drip irrigation and micro-sprinkling.

• Continuing to protect the availability and quality of water is crucial to growing avocados today and in the future.

How it's done: By 2026, a new sustainable water management program will strengthen water stewardship, improve water efficiency and eliminate runoff and agrochemical contamination.

• Already, the industry backs watershed conservation through the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico's (APEAM) Forest Restoration Program and offers incentives for non-tillage practices to boost water retention and reduce erosion.

🦋 Biodiversity

The avocado industry is committed to protecting, conserving and restoring diverse plant and animal life and healthy ecosystems across the Avocado Landscape of Mexico.

How it's done: This year, the industry is rolling out a strategy and action plan to restore and conserve biodiversity and ecological connectivity.

• APEAM will continue to provide growers with resources and programs on topics like integrated pest management, cover crops, native vegetation management and safeguarding bees and native pollinators.

🌦️ Climate

The industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint, paving the way to net-zero throughout the supply chain by 2035.

How it's done: New research later this year will help stakeholders develop a roadmap to reduce impacts on the environment and enhance carbon sequestration.

🌳 Deforestation

The industry is working toward a net-zero deforestation in the Avocado Landscape of Mexico by 2035.

How it's done: As part of this new strategy, avocados from recently deforested lands will be restricted from entering the U.S.

• APEAM's Restoration and Reforestation project has planted more than 3.6 million pine trees in the Avocado Landscape.
• APEAM also partners with local municipalities to combat deforestation and wildfires, sponsoring several forest fire brigades.

Looking ahead: The new Path to Sustainability marks a pivotal step toward an even more sustainable avocado industry for communities, consumers and the planet.

• By turning long-standing values into measurable action, this strategic framework provides clear direction to help restore and preserve the natural environment, empower growers and sustain economic growth.
• The industry is committed to collaborating and sharing its progress, updates and learnings along the way, issuing a comprehensive Sustainability Report in 2027.

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