The US extends avocado import permissions to Guatemala, but don’t expect cheaper guacamole soon

MEXICO CITY — The U.S. government extended avocado import permissions to Guatemala on Friday, but don’t expect that to result in cheaper guacamole anytime soon. For nearly 30 years, Mexico has been practically the only source of imported avocados — along with small amounts from South America — because of concerns that plant diseases and pests could affect U.S. growers. “The risks of introducing or spreading plant pests or noxious weeds from imported fresh Hass avocado fruit can be successfully mitigated using systems approach, allowing commercial fruit only, packinghouse and place-of-production registrations, and additional safeguarding measures,” the department wrote. The embassy said “the announcement is a big step forward for Guatemalan Hass avocados in reaching U.S. households, something that will mean economic prosperity for local growers.” It said the announcement will create more jobs and greater income, “offering better opportunities to local communities and alternatives to irregular migration.” While avocado growing has provided a good income for many small landholders in Mexico, it has also caused deforestation as residents cut down native pine forests to plant avocado groves.