Commission Calls on USDA to Maintain Current Inspections in Mexico
On June 26, 2024, the California Avocado Commission released a statement regarding the U.S./Mexico Operational Work Plan allowing Hass avocados from the Mexican states of Michoacan and Jalisco to be exported to the U.S. Under the current OWP, the inspections are conducted by Mexican personnel employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Commission staff was recently informed by the USDA from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City that following the February 2022 security issue involving an avocado inspector, the USDA is recommending shifting the avocado inspection oversight from USDA-employed personnel to Mexico government personnel.
On Monday, June 23, CAC was contacted by a major media outlet reporter who covered a press conference held by U.S. and Mexican officials announcing the reopening of the avocado inspections and shipments. According to this reporter, “the officials said that they would progressively start replacing APHIS inspectors with Mexican inspectors to avoid stopping exports whenever there’s a security concern.”
Although there has been no official proposal from USDA to modify the OWP, the Commission is taking no chances and proactively stating our adamant opposition to such a change.
The Commission’s release received good pickup (sample links below) and the Commission will continue to advocate against any such change to the OWP.
