ProForest Certification confirms 90% of Mexican avocados for US market are deforestation-free

The head of Michoacán’s Secretariat of the Environment (SECMA), Alejandro Méndez, reported that thanks to advances in the ProForest Avocado certification program, 90% of avocado exports to the US are currently deforestation-free.

To date, 37 packing houses in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco—the only ones authorized to export avocados to the US—have adopted this compliance scheme, which demonstrates the production chain's commitment to international environmental standards, reported the Government of Michoacán.

Deforestation-free avocados are only the beginning

The ProForest certification confirms that the product has been deforestation-free since at least January 2018. The program also prohibits the acquisition of fruit from orchards affected by wildfires since January 2012 and from those with active environmental complaints.

Méndez highlighted that, in addition, more than 900,000 avocado harvest reviews have been conducted through the Guardian Forestal (Forest Ward) program, which guarantees forest conservation and good production practices.

The voluntary ProForest Avocado certification offers environmental benefits, including complete traceability, total independence regarding producers and packers, scientific evidence, and real environmental diligence.

*Main image courtesy of the Government of Michoacán.

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