Mission Produce Implements Policy Against Illegal Deforestation Associated With Avocados

Mission Produce, the world’s leading sourcing, production, and distribution company for fresh Hass avocados, will implement a policy aimed at addressing illegal deforestation associated with avocado cultivation in Michoacán, Mexico.

“Illegal deforestation in Michoacán, where a significant majority of Mexico’s total avocado production comes from, is an important issue for our Company and our stakeholders,” said John Pawlowski, president and COO of Mission Produce, in a statement.

“For that reason, we are taking steps to promote environmental stewardship in this area. Although we cannot solve the problem of illegal deforestation in this region alone, this policy demonstrates our commitment to being part of the solution and is intended to set a positive precedent in the industry,” he added.

According to the new policy, Mission Produce will prohibit its direct sourcing operations in Michoacán from sourcing avocados from the 279 orchards recently identified as being associated with illegal deforestation by the state’s Secretary of the Environment.

Every quarter, the company will review and evaluate any additional orchards identified by the Environmental Ministry as being associated with illegal deforestation and will continue to explore available resources and methodologies to identify additional actions it can implement to address this important issue.