The Avocado Boom
While a decade ago, the avocado was just another fruit in the produce aisle it has by now become the poster child of health food culture. From brunch tables to TikTok recipes, its creamy texture and “good fat” reputation have made it a global symbol of clean eating. TikTok can other social media have made avocado toast de rigeur.
Now while you’re sitting there brunching with your guacamole or toast the last thing on your mind is (at least till you read this article) is the chain of events that brought that fruit to your plate.
Rising demand has transformed the avocado into a billion-dollar business with trade data showing that global avocado consumption has more than doubled since 2010, driven largely by markets in the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Europe.
It is true that the fruit’s booming popularity has injected new income into producing regions—especially in Mexico, the world’s leading exporter. But behind the glossy marketing and health benefits lies a darker story that touches the environment, local economies, and human lives.
The Economic Impact on Local Communities
For many rural families in western Mexico, avocados have become both a blessing and a trap. On the positive side the global appetite for “green gold” has created thousands of jobs and lifted some communities out of poverty and entire towns depending on planting, picking, and packing avocados, their livelihood tied to global supermarket shelves.
But it gets worse. Much worse than just inequality of revenue and profit distribution. .
Environmental Consequences of Avocado Farming
Avocados grow best in mild climates with rich soil and steady rainfallwhich explains the concentration of farms in regions like Michoacán. But as demand skyrocketed, forests were cleared to make room for new orchards and in some areas, pine and oak habitats—home to countless bird and insect species—have been replaced by neat rows of avocado trees.
Each avocado tree drinks a surprising amount of water, roughly 70 liters a day, depending on the season. Multiply that by millions of trees and the numbers start to look alarming, especially in drought-prone regions. Rivers have been diverted, groundwater has dropped, and local ecosystems are struggling to recover. What was once a lush, mixed forest is often now a monoculture that strains biodiversity and water resources alike. 
Social Injustices and Land Conflicts
As avocados gained value, land itself became more contested. In several parts of Mexico, Indigenous and smallholder communities have faced displacement or pressure to sell lands they’ve cultivated for generations. Legal documents are sometimes forged, and local leaders threatened when they refuse to cede their farms.
Labor conditions can also be harsh. Workers often earn low wages, face long hours, and lack formal protections. Some reports describe unsafe conditions or child labor during peak harvest seasons. In a cruel twist, the fruit celebrated as a symbol of healthy living is sometimes produced through unhealthy, even unjust, systems.
The Role of Cartels and Organized Crime
Next time look closely at an avocado and you may see El Chapo’s face (that’s a joke btw).
When you think avocado organized crime is not the first or third thing to come to mind but in actuality cartels have moved into the trade. Just as they once controlled illicit crops, criminal groups in parts of Mexico now extort farmers, demand “protection payments,” and control transportation routes. They’ve recognized that the avocado industry can be as profitable as drugs, but with far less risk.
Ethical and Sustainable Avocado Production
Amid these challenges, some producers are pushing back – turning to ethical sourcing and sustainable farming practices which are increasingly gaining traction. Certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance help ensure that workers are paid fairly and that forests aren’t cleared irresponsibly. Some farms are shifting to agroforestry systems—mixing avocado trees with native plants to preserve biodiversity and soil health.
Water-saving irrigation technologies, organic pest controls, and community-owned cooperatives are also part of this growing movement toward responsible production. Consumers can look for labeled products or support local farmers’ markets where traceability and transparency are clearer. It’s not a perfect system, but every small choice helps.
Global Awareness and Call to Action
Awareness is the first step as otherwise how are. people supposed to know that behind their avocado toast may lie deforestation, inequality, and organized crime. Media coverage and advocacy from NGOs have already started to shift consumer understanding—turning the idea of “ethical avocados” from a niche concern into a mainstream conversation.
Consumers can make a difference by buying from certified sources, supporting community-based brands, and reducing unnecessary waste. Restaurants and retailers can also insist on transparency from suppliers. These actions, multiplied across millions of buyers, can nudge the system toward fairness. There are already examples of cooperatives in Mexico and Chile proving that sustainable avocados are not only possible but profitable.
Conclusion: Rethinking Our Consumption Choices
Every food we love carries a story, and the avocado’s story is still being written. (I think an article on bananas, cocoa and coffee are articles that need coverage too).
At the end of the day it’s a tale of prosperity shadowed by exploitation, of lush farms grown from cleared forests, of opportunity mixed with injustice. The challenge isn’t to give up avocados altogether, but to make sure the ones we do enjoy are grown and sold responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “the true cost of an avocado” mean?
It refers to the hidden social, environmental, and human consequences behind avocado production—costs that are not reflected in supermarket prices. These include violence, land dispossession, exploitation of workers, and environmental degradation in producing regions.
Why are avocados linked to violence?
In some producing regions, particularly in parts of Mexico, the avocado industry has attracted criminal groups due to its high profitability. These groups have used intimidation, extortion, and violence to control land, production, and transport routes.
Who is most affected by this violence?
Small farmers, Indigenous communities, land defenders, and local residents are often the most affected. Many face threats, forced displacement, or even death when they resist land grabs or criminal control.
How is land stolen for avocado farming?
Land is often taken through coercion, fraudulent titles, or forced sales. In some cases, forests or communal Indigenous lands are illegally cleared and converted into avocado plantations without consent.
Are farm workers exploited in the avocado industry?
Yes, in many cases. Workers may face low wages, unsafe conditions, lack of labor protections, and exposure to pesticides without adequate safety measures.
This article is for informational purposes only.
Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jan/06/avocado-farming-exploitation-human-rights-mexico-indigenous-communities
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