Summary
Highlights
Michoacán, Mexico, produces most of the fresh Hass avocados for the U.S. However, the region is now overrun by drug cartels, leading to violence against local farmers.
In August 2020, farmers formed a self-defense movement called Pueblos Unidos (United Towns) to protect their land and livelihoods from cartels, as the government's assistance is insufficient.
Pueblos Unidos has established over 50 roadblocks and patrols in Michoacán, acting as de facto police against cartels. These farmers, many untrained, now prioritize self-defense over farming. Despite requests, government support remains inadequate, forcing larger towns to hire private security.
Cartels have infiltrated every aspect of the avocado trade, stealing truckloads and even farming avocados themselves. Shipping and packing facilities are also subject to attacks and extortion, leading to avocados being labeled as a 'conflict commodity'.
The 1993 NAFTA agreement ended an 83-year ban on Mexican avocado imports to the U.S., leading to a massive increase in consumption. This lucrative trade has attracted cartels, who extract protection money (peso) from farmers, even those cultivating in challenging conditions like Eduardo Montero.