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Mexico to Require Labor Certification for Avocado Exports

Velagro certification aligns social security compliance with avocado production seasonality, mechanization under a national pilot program

Overview

  • Federal and Michoacán authorities agreed on a Velagro methodology that adapts formalization to seasonality and distinguishes between mechanized and manual orchards.
  • The Velagro certificate will require avocado exporters to register all export-related workers with IMSS as a condition for shipping their product.
  • The certification framework excludes seasonal and other roles not legally obligated to contribute to IMSS to ensure feasibility for small and medium producers.
  • Avocado has been selected as the first product for the national Certificado Laboral de Agroexportación ahead of planned expansion to other agro-exports.
  • Officials will now finalize implementation details and enforcement timelines to roll out the certification across packers, producers and exporters.