Demand For Avocado Is Leading To Deforestation In Mexico
*OK, I’m torn. I love aguacates, eat them almost daily. But the U.S. demand is causing avocado farmers in Mexico to cut down forests in order to grow more. And now the Cartels are involved? Geez . . . VL
By Lucas Molandes, MiTú
They say money doesn’t grow on trees, but avocado farmers in Mexico are learning that if they tear down a forest, they can make upwards of $500,000 a year. According to a report by the Associated Press, the popularity of avocados in the United States has led to increased demand in avocados from Mexico, where avocados are more likely to grow year-round. Unfortunately, because avocados are more profitable than other crops, farmers have begun illegally tearing down surrounding pine forests to make room for their avocado trees.
CREDIT: CNN / YOUTUBE
The avocado business is booming so much — bringing in more than a billion dollars a year in total — that drug cartels have gotten involved. It’s estimated that the Knights Templar Cartel brings in upwards of $150 million each year on avocados alone.
[Photos courtesy of MiTú]
