Mexico’s avocado sector becomes the first in the country’s agriculture industry to commit to deforestation-free exports.
At least 85% of orchards expected to qualify under the new standards within the first year.
The deal underpins the industry’s Path to Sustainability, launched in April 2025.
The Mexican avocado industry has signed a landmark conservation agreement with the federal government, committing to ensure all avocado exports will be deforestation-free by 2030. This makes avocados the first agricultural product in Mexico to enter into a binding zero-deforestation pact.
“It’s an honor for Mexican Avocados to lead the nation in this conservation agreement,” said Ramon Paz-Vega, Strategic Consultant for the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. “Our industry is spearheading Mexico’s zero-deforestation goals thanks to our network of over 35,000 growers and more than 90 packers, who consistently work to conserve the Avocado Landscape for future generations.”
The deal is part of the industry’s Path to Sustainability, introduced earlier this year to align growers, packers, and exporters around environmental and social goals. The agreement includes accountability and monitoring mechanisms, as well as pathways for orchards to comply through regularization and environmental compensation under Mexican law. From January 2026, non-compliant produce will no longer qualify for export.
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Enrique Audifred, Vice President of Sustainability for the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico, said: “We appreciate the positive dialogue and collaboration with the federal government. This conservation agreement reflects our shared goal to restore and preserve Mexico’s forests in action. Our industry will continue to build a resilient and sustainable future for the Avocado Landscape of Mexico, delivering results that go far beyond this agreement.”
The avocado sector is positioned for broad compliance, with 85% of its 54,000 orchards expected to qualify within the first year. Beyond environmental benefits, the move safeguards an industry that generates 78,000 direct jobs in Mexico and supports more than 42,000 jobs in the U.S.
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