Jalisco violence triggers USDA halt on fresh produce inspections, threatening US supply
On Sunday, after a military operation by the Mexican Ministry of Defense that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a wave of violence and unrest took over the state of Jalisco. In the city of Puerto Vallarta, gunmen from the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel could be heard on the streets, sending tourists and locals into hiding.
Gunshots and vehicles set on fire blocked off several roads and highways, halting normal life and severely impacting the packing and harvesting of several local crops, including limes, mangoes, and avocados. The last two are especially important to the state, as most of the production is shipped to the US.
In a public address on Monday morning, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised her country’s armed forces and assured that normal activity had resumed in the state of Jalisco. But images from the ground showed a deeply complicated situation that persisted throughout the day.
Jalisco crops face potential supply shortage
In a message to its members, Mexico’s Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers (APEAM) notified stakeholders that, due to the unsafe conditions in the region, the US Department of Agriculture had instructed APHIS agents to stay away from packing houses. The order effectively shut down the certification process, a crucial step to ship avocados to the US.
The organization called on grower members to prioritize the safety of laborers and farmworkers, suggesting the suspension of all activities in the field until more information about improved safety conditions is available.
An avocado producer in the region told FreshFruitPortal.com that the situation on the ground has been difficult, but they’re hopeful. They say that if everything goes well, USDA APHIS presence could resume tomorrow, which would allow packing and shipments to continue.
They explained that most packing houses are not working today, as worker safety has been the first priority.
Fresh produce category management service provider The Produce Alliance sent out a notice to customers saying there are temporary truck stoppages on site. The email explained that, even though there are several commodities either in transit or waiting to cross the border, supply shortages are to be expected.
“The next 12 hours will be critical to determine whether inspections and truck flow fully normalize or if supply tightens across avocados, mangos, and especially limes,” the notice reads.
In a blog post published on Monday, February 23, Nissa Pierson, of Crespo Organic mangoes, said fruit was received in Nogales and McAllen over the weekend, with more in transit and crossing the border today.
“A short disruption will not materially impact our US supply,” she wrote. “If the suspension extends, the effect grows, and a prolonged halt becomes an industry-wide issue without exception.”
*Main image courtesy of The Produce Alliance; all other images are referential.
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