ESSAY
Avocados:
Agriculture and Aggression Words By: Sofia Frias Graphics By: Jamie Kim
Food and violence. One sustains life; the other preludes death. The avocado is a symbol of fertility, a sign of life. It nourishes the body. It breathes life into economic systems, prompting billions of dollars in yearly Mexican exports. It is the foundation for the livelihood of tens of thousands of Mexican farmers. 20 years ago, each American ate about two pounds of avocados per year. In 2018, yearly consumption skyrocketed to 7.2 pounds. In the past, farmers in California have produced a considerable harvest of avocados, but the recent explosion in demand has shown that consumers want more avocados year round. As temperatures in San Diego drop in the winter months and water sources have become unreliable, we’ve turned to our southern neighbors for a stable supply of avocados 365 days a year. The Michoacán State is home to 92% of Mexican production of the popular fruit. The rising call for the avocado has created a profitable industry, bringing economic relief to people once living in poverty.
Men in kevlar vests defend the coveted orchard land, armed with rifles in preparation for violent exchanges of bullets. The Michoacán state has become a target region for organized crime. Known commonly as “green gold,” drug cartels have taken extreme interest in avocado crop profit. Instead of mass-producing crystal meth, heroin, and marijuana, cartels are growing fruit. While this may appear to diffuse organized crime, the cartels’ seizure of the avocado industry threatens the quality of life of Mexican civilians. The dangers stem from the avocado industry’s comparatively low point of entry. Illegal drug trade involves smuggling large amounts of harmful and highly addictive substances across international borders. Drug traffickers operate under pressure from the DEA, Customs, and Border Patrol. The business is high risk and high reward, as substance abuse and addiction guarantees demand. Growth of avocados requires land, proper conditions, and a significant amount of labor. This, in comparison to the production and transport of narcotics, appears to be relatively accessible. The production of
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