Trump administration faces pressure to restore avocado inspections amid pest concerns

In the United States, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) has expressed urgent concerns regarding the pest control measures implemented for avocados imported from Mexico. This concern has arisen following the Biden administration's decision to end the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service program that focused on the inspection of farms in Mexico. This policy shift was partly influenced by the safety issues faced by inspectors who encountered criminal threats while ensuring pest-free avocados. The lack of supervision has allowed harmful pests to proliferate, escalating risks to California’s avocado orchards, which are valued at $1.5 billion. The CAC reported a significant increase in pest interceptions at Mexican packinghouses. Between October 30, 2024, and March 11, 2025, inspectors documented over 150 harmful pest interceptions, a stark contrast to no interceptions between January and October of the previous year. This alarming trend points to a systemic failure in pest control measures and necessitates immediate governmental action to prevent pest infestations that could devastate California avocado farms. The CAC highlights that these harmful pests, once established, are nearly impossible to eliminate, leading to reliance on costly and environmentally hazardous pesticides. To address these pressing issues, the CAC has recommended several solutions. Key among them is the reinstatement of previous USDA inspection protocols that mandated on-site inspectors in Mexican avocado groves. The CAC also suggested enhancing the security of USDA inspectors working in Mexico, which involves coordination with Mexican authorities. The organization proposed options such as securing inspectors in convoy rotations and limiting exports from Mexico when safety cannot be guaranteed. These recommendations aim to ensure that U.S. avocado imports do not carry pests that threaten California’s orchards. With the U.S. receiving approximately 80% of Mexico’s avocado exports, the implications of pest infestations extend beyond immediate agricultural concerns; they also affect international trade relationships. The CAC emphasizes the need for clear communication with Mexico regarding the conditions under which avocados will be allowed into the U.S. This situation is exacerbated by the growing pest detection rates, which threaten not only crops but also the financial stability of California’s avocado growers. Without a prompt and effective response, the state's thriving avocado industry faces significant jeopardy.