"Dark Side of Avocado Production: Environmental and Social Impacts of Rising Global Demand"
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Themes
Avocado production, Central American countries, Nicaragua, exploitation of local populations, low workforce rates, difficult working conditions, state control, Latin American countries, developed countries, dietary regimes, gluten-free trend, vegetarian diet, avocado consumption, market growth, water consumption, hydraulic deficit, deforestation, carbon balance, sustainable production, climate-related accidents, price increase, supply and demand, Caribbean countries, exporting countries, energy consumption, ethylene blowing process, avocado farms, plantations profitability, nutritional value, cultural evolution, traditional cultural bias, hydraulic deficit regions, production sites, consumption centers, farmers income, less developed countries, avocado market trends, Western countries nutrition trends, raw material cost, climate vicissitudes, avocado cultivation conditions
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Abstract
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Abstract
Unlock the truth behind the booming avocado market and its hidden social and environmental costs. Discover how the growing demand for avocados in developed countries is driving production in Latin America, often at the expense of local communities and the environment. Learn about the issues of water overconsumption, deforestation, and exploitation of low-wage workers in avocado farming. As the market continues to grow, driven by trends like gluten-free and vegetarian diets, it's essential to consider more sustainable production methods that balance demand with social and environmental responsibility. Explore the complexities of the avocado industry and the need for a more equitable and eco-friendly approach to meet the world's increasing appetite for this nutritious fruit.
Extract
[...] In 2017, the avocado represented one of the fruits2 the most consumed fruits on the planet, ahead of figs, cherries or even apricots. Its production has thus progressed by nearly 20% between 2012 and 2017 in order to follow the growing enthusiasm of Western consumers for this product. In 2018, the United States remained, behind Mexico, the largest consumers ahead of the United Kingdom and France. Estimates predict a 10% increase in its consumption over the next five years. The concurrent development in developed countries of this product and its derivatives i. [...]
[...] A market in very strong growth, driven by an increase in production from exporting countries and a strong rise in consumption in developed countries A. A notable increase in avocado production levels over the past decade that requires the development of strategies aimed at promoting exports B. The concurrent development in developed countries for this product and its derivatives i. The development of different dietary regimes has promoted the use of avocado in the consumption of developed countries ii. A differential between supply and demand that causes a notable increase in the prices of the raw material II. [...]
[...] A. A production largely carried out on territories escaping state control i. Conditions of difficult-to-control production ii. The exploitation of local populations, a hidden issue of avocado production and consumption B. Important ecological issues i. A significant water consumption in water-scarce regions ii. A land overexploitation inherent to all intensive production Conclusion Introduction The avocado is a perishable product that is used in the composition of many modern dishes. [...]
[...] Thus, avocado production, particularly in Mexico, is carried out largely outside of any control and regulation. This situation can be attributed to several factors, including the weak state presence in this region, as well as the particularly strong economic interests that avocado exports represent for Mexico and the regions concerned. Thus, numerous irregularities and mafia practices surround the production of avocado. The market, particularly profitable, has thus attracted the attention of gangs and other paramilitary groups who hope to benefit from this windfall by extorting local producers. [...]
[...] In fact, avocado cultivation is a particularly water-consuming practice. Thus, according to estimates, avocado cultivation consumed nearly 500 billion liters of water per year in 2017, of which only 2/3 would be provided by rainwater5. This element is all the more important as the main avocado production areas are located in countries affected by the 'El Niño' phenomenon, making the rainfall particularly variable from one year to another." Thus, to compensate for the years with low rainfall, producers draw very heavily on the region's natural water reserves and groundwater. [...]
