U.S. Suspends Avocado Inspections in Michoacán Over Threat to 'U.S. Interests'

The United States suspended all government operations in Michoacán, Mexico, on Tuesday, citing a "threat to U.S. interests" as organized crime continues to exert influence over virtually every aspect of daily life in the state, including the avocado industry. The U.S. Embassy did not specify the nature of the threat, saying only that "due to a threat against U.S. interests, U.S. government activities in Michoacán have been suspended as of Aug. The suspension includes U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors responsible for verifying and approving avocado exports to the United States. Mantenemos una comunicación fluida con la Embajada de Estados Unidos y un trabajo de máxima coordinación entre su área de seguridad, la Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana y nuestra Secretaría de Seguridad. As NBC News noted, Mexico supplies about 80% of U.S. avocado imports, and avocado cultivation supports roughly 200,000 jobs in Michoacán alone.