Rising prices for avocados are contributing to deforestation in central Mexico. The increasing popularity of the “superfood” in the US means that Mexican farmers are planting avocado crops in areas of pine forest. Photograph: The increase in avocado farming has serious environmental implications. Avocado orchards consume twice as much water as the forest, meaning that less water reaches streams on which forests and animals are dependent. Greenpeace has also warned that the use of agricultural chemicals and high volumes of wood for packing could damage the region.
Rising prices for avocados are contributing to deforestation in central Mexico. The increasing popularity of the “superfood” in the US means that Mexican farmers are planting avocado crops in areas of pine forest. Profits are so high that drug gangs are also becoming involved in the trade. The increase in avocado farming has serious environmental implications. Avocado orchards consume twice as much water as the forest, meaning that less water reaches streams on which forests and animals are dependent. Greenpeace has also warned that the use of agricultural chemicals and high volumes of wood for packing could damage the region.