Report: USDA, Mexican officials work on avocado security measures

There was no signed, sealed and delivered agreement to reopen U.S. imports of Mexican avocados as of 2 pm Central on Feb 17, but the Association of Producers and Packers Exporters of Avocado of Mexico  said Feb. 17 it was working with other officials to establish the agreements and the action plan that will allow the resumption of avocado exports to the U.S.

Meanwhile, U.S. wholesale market prices for Mexican avocados traded as high as $95 per carton (San  Francisco) on Feb. 17, the USDA reported.

In coordination with the Government of Michoacán, the USDA and Mexican plant health officials have been reviewing and reinforcing security protocols, according to the association. 

“APEAM continues to work and collaborate actively in coordination with the authorities of both countries in the process of reinforcing practices, commitment and internal processes that guarantee compliance with the export work plan to the U.S.,” Armando López Orduña, general director of APEAM, said in a news release.