Michoacán enhances sustainable agriculture with certification of key crops for export

The state of Michoacán, Mexico, is making significant strides toward sustainability by certifying avocado orchards and planning to expand the process to include agave and berries for export. This initiative aims to promote the production of deforestation-free products, addressing growing concerns from companies about the sustainability of their agricultural inputs. Alejandro Méndez, the state’s Secretary of the Environment, emphasized upcoming projects to certify berry packaging, marking a key step in enhancing the global reputation of Michoacán’s exports.

Michoacán, along with Jalisco, Baja California, and Guanajuato, dominates Mexico’s berry industry, producing 96.8% of the country’s berries and contributing 97.3% of its economic value. Of this production, 65% is exported to key markets, including the United States, Canada, Chile, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. These exports highlight the need for sustainable practices as Michoacán continues to focus on environmentally friendly farming to maintain its leadership in high-value crops.

The certification process for agave, a crucial ingredient in tequila production, has already begun. It is projected that from 2027 onwards, agave cultivated in deforested areas will no longer be eligible for use in tequila production.

source: blueberriesconsulting.com

photo: linclocal.org