Growers also unhappy about government’s new Velagro programme, requiring mandatory labour certificates
Avocado producers in Michoacán started an indefinite strike on Friday, citing low prices and a lack of support from the government and the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers of Mexico (Apeam).
In a statement, the Union of Small-Scale Avocado Producers of Michoacán called on their fellow growers to pause harvesting over concerns about the imposition by the federal government of the Velagro programme, which requires them to take out a Labor Certificate for Agricultural Export known as a CLA.
Producers argue that they are forced to sell their avocados to packers too cheaply – particularly in light of rising costs and the many risks associated with its cultivation – and that the fruit is then sold for high prices overseas.
They are calling for negotiations with the relevant authorities – with their participation of the producers – along with a “fair” price of at least MXN45 per kg. The union also urged fellow producers to organise peacefully and legally so that their voices carry more weight in the negotiations.
In response to the protests, the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco) of Michoacán clarified that avocado producers are not obligated to obtain a labour certificate as this responsibility falls on exporters. Sedeco also stated that growers with 5ha or less of family-run production are not required to register as employers with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
