In late 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made a controversial decision to downgrade its inspection obligations by transferring orchard inspections to Mexico. This move has sparked significant concerns among California growers, who are represented by the California Avocado Commission (CAC). The CAC is now actively seeking further support for their petition to revoke this decision.
The primary concern raised by the California growers is the increased detections of stem and seed weevils in avocado packing facilities. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has acknowledged that the recent spike in interceptions is alarming, especially considering the infrequency of such incidents in the program’s history.
In a formal letter addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture Designate, Brooke Rollins, the CAC expressed their dismay over the USDA’s decision. They highlighted that this decision has exposed a breakdown in the orchard inspection process, leading to a higher risk of pest-infested avocados slipping through inspections and entering the United States.
The CAC firmly stated that the USDA’s actions violate the longstanding agreement with the California avocado industry. They emphasized that the safety and economic livelihood of California’s three thousand avocado farmers, whose crop contributes $1.5 billion in annual economic value, are now at risk due to this decision. Despite the concerns raised by the CAC, the USDA does not seem inclined to rectify the situation.
In their plea to the USDA, the CAC urged for the immediate reinstatement of the inspection systems that were originally agreed upon, before irreversible harm is inflicted. They also called for the implementation of safeguards to protect the USDA employees involved in the inspection process.
Furthermore, the CAC’s concerns have been echoed in a related article, where they have requested the USDA to inspect all Mexican Hass avocados to ensure the safety and quality of the produce entering the United States.
The gravity of this situation cannot be understated, as it not only impacts the economic well-being of California avocado farmers but also raises critical food safety and security concerns. The CAC’s call for support in their petition to revoke the USDA’s decision is a crucial step in safeguarding the interests of the California avocado industry and ensuring the continued integrity of the avocado supply chain.
As stakeholders in the agriculture industry, it is imperative that we rally behind the California growers and support their efforts to address this pressing issue. The implications of the USDA’s decision extend far beyond just avocado production, affecting the broader agricultural landscape and food security of the nation.
In conclusion, the USDA’s decision to shift orchard inspections to Mexico has triggered significant concerns among California avocado growers, who are now seeking further support to revoke this decision. The CAC’s petition highlights the urgent need to address the breakdown in the inspection process and protect the interests of California’s avocado industry. It is crucial that stakeholders across the agriculture industry unite to address this issue and uphold the safety and integrity of the avocado supply chain.
