IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has called on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maintain direct oversight over the Mexico avocado export program, emphasizing that the continuation of the current U.S./Mexico Operational Work Plan (OWP) is essential.

“As reports of corruption and violence in Mexico continue, including regions authorized for avocado exports to the U.S., it’s unimaginable the U.S. government would consider abdicating inspection responsibilities to Mexico,” said Commission Vice President of Industry Affairs and Operations Ken Melban. “U.S. farmers will not be protected under such a program, one intended and designed specifically to protect U.S. farmers’ economic interests.”

As the organization stated in a recent release, the OWP requires the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide direct inspection of all harvesting and packing of Hass avocados for export to the U.S. CAC noted that maintaining the USDA’s direct oversight ensures the integrity of the avocado inspection program in Mexico and is critical to preventing the introduction of invasive pests to the U.S.

The organization emphasized the importance of preventing invasive pests by utilizing the agreed-upon and necessary levels of oversight found in the OWP.

“The Commission calls on USDA to uphold their mission and retain control of the Mexico avocado inspections as agreed upon under the current OWP,” Melban added.

The California Avocado Commission represents the roughly 3,000 avocado growers who produce avocados on more than 50,000 acres in the state, with an annual average farm-gate value of $367,000,000.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to report on industry news.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Can’t believe that Organic Produce Summit is in a few short weeks? We’re in the same boat! As you continue planning which booths to visit, consider adding Zespri to the mix. With its organic SunGold™ and Green kiwifruit programs, the provider is ready to help its retail partners see the power that is organic kiwifruit.

“Zespri has been supplying the North American market with organic SunGold and Green kiwifruit varieties for nearly a decade,” explained Darren LaMothe, General Manager, North America. “Zespri’s had five straight years of growth in organic sales in the U.S., with a four-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 92 percent! Both organic SunGold and Green Kiwi are the top-selling organic kiwi SKUS.”

According to a press release, the company’s organic kiwifruit experienced dollar growth of +28 percent and volume growth of +20 percent in the U.S.

“Our growth is driven by our 1 lb organic SunGold pack,” LaMothe stated. “It accounts for over half of the total Zespri organic sales this past season while driving the largest growth of +60 percent. Kiwifruit is no longer considered an exotic fruit. It is a high-growth, everyday item now and it sells best when it is prominently displayed adding incremental sales to the produce department.”

Click here to learn more about Zespri Organics, the company’s program, and marketing support.

Stop by booth #713 to see Zespri at the show!