Plan tackles four key environmental areas and works toward net-zero emissions by 2035
The Avocado Institute of Mexico (AIM) has launched an initiative to enhance environmental stewardship in the country’s avocado industry. Path to Sustainability brings together members of grower-exporter association Apeam and the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), setting clear commitments and measurable targets to build on previous progress on sustainability.
The strategy, which has been developed with industry stakeholders and environmental consultants, Pollination Group and Innovagro, is centred on four key priority areas: water, biodiversity, climate and deforestation.
Under the first, the industry commits to implement a sustainable water resource management programme across all production areas, including orchards and packing houses, by 2026. Currently, over 60 per cent of Michoacán’s orchards rely exclusively on rainfall, with another 35 per cent using advanced methods like drip irrigation and micro-sprinkling. This initiative complements current watershed conservation efforts that are part of Apeam’s Forest Restoration programme.
Regarding biodiversity, this year the industry will introduce a strategy and action plan to conserve biodiversity and ecological connectivity, protecting and restoring local ecosystems. Current initiatives include integrated pest management and pollinator protection. Additionally, over 1.6mn trees have been planted through MHAIA’s partnership with Forests for Monarchs. These efforts aim to protect, conserve and restore diverse plant and animal life and to bolster ecosystem health across the avocado landscape.
The Mexican avocado industry also aims to reduce impacts on the environment and enhance carbon sequestration, paving the way for net-zero carbon footprint throughout the avocado supply chain by 2035.
Finally, by 2035, the industry plans to achieve a net-zero deforestation landscape through collaboration with government authorities. This year, a baseline study will be conducted to identify forested areas that require protection, management, and restoration. The Avocado Landscape Restoration and Reforestation Project has planted more than 3.6mn pine trees, underscoring a strong commitment to forest conservation.
Ernesto Enkerlin, an environmental consultant at Innovagro, said the initiative marks a “transformation shift within the avocado industry”.
“This initiative is not just about setting goals but about cultivating an industry-wide ethos of sustainability that will guide us forward. We are fostering a profound commitment to environmental stewardship that permeates every level of our operations. By rallying the collaboration of diverse stakeholders, we are redefining our collective responsibility toward the natural environment and our communities, ensuring that our legacy is one of conscientious cultivation and lasting impact,” he said.
The Path to Sustainability is underpinned by a set of clear actions and key milestones, organised into five interdependent programmes: Corporate Governance for Sustainability, Sustainable Orchards, Sustainable Packing Houses, Sustainable Distribution and Marketing, and Restoration of Biodiversity, Forests, and Watersheds.
“Transparency and accountability are central to the plan’s success. In addition to providing regular progress and milestone updates, industry leaders will share a comprehensive, bi-annual sustainability report,” AIM said.
