The U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, discussed the reasons behind the U.S. rejecting Mexico’s water delivery request, its impact on farmers, and the potential effects on the USDA lunch program. The California Avocado Commission (CAC) is advocating for the U.S. administration to take steps to protect California’s avocado industry from insect pests originating in Mexico.
The CAC has released a report with recommendations for the U.S. administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent Mexican pests from damaging California’s significant avocado industry. The primary suggestion is to revert to the original USDA inspection protocols established under a 1997 operational work plan, which included having USDA inspectors present in the groves.
In September 2024, the Biden administration ended the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for inspecting Mexican farms to ensure exported avocados were pest-free. This policy was altered following threats and assaults on inspectors in Mexico. Consequently, Mexico was tasked with ensuring their exported avocados were free from harmful pests.
The CAC reported a “dramatic surge” in pest interceptions at Mexican packinghouses since late October, citing USDA data that indicated over 150 “interceptions” of harmful pests from October 30, 2024, to March 11, 2025, compared to none earlier. This situation suggests a “systemic breakdown in pest control,” necessitating U.S. government action.
The CAC expressed concerns that these pests could significantly threaten California’s orchards, forcing growers into expensive and environmentally harmful pesticide use, impacting trade, and rendering fruit unmarketable. The CAC urged the U.S. government to restore full USDA oversight of inspections in Mexico and recommended implementing security measures for inspectors.
The recommendations included stationing inspectors securely, rotating staff in high-risk regions, or setting up temporary secure inspection areas. The CAC insists that Mexican avocado imports should be halted if inspector safety cannot be assured. Furthermore, they urged communication with Mexico to ensure inspections can occur before imports enter the U.S.
The U.S. is a major recipient of Mexican avocados, which comprised 88% of total U.S. avocado imports in 2024. California’s avocado industry is valued at $1.5 billion, having produced over 363.6 million pounds of avocados in the 2023-2024 season. The USDA has been approached for comment.
