US Transfers Mexican Avocado Pest Inspections to Mexico, Sparking California Growers' Concern

California avocado growers question the efficacy and safety of new inspection process amid history of threats and violence against US inspectors.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to hand over pest inspections of Mexican avocados to the Mexican government.
California avocado growers are worried about the reversal of the established inspection process, which they believe has protected the industry from invasive pests.
US inspectors have faced threats and violence in Mexico, leading to previous suspensions of the inspection process.
The USDA has not provided detailed reasons for the decision or assurances that the new system will offer equal or better protection.
Mexico claims there have been no sanitary issues in over 27 years, but incidents in 2022 and June 2024 suggest ongoing risks.