In W32 in the avocado landscape, Colombian avocado exports to the United States (US) witnessed remarkable growth, with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade statistics revealing that imports of Colombian avocados surged to nearly USD 48 million in 2022, from less than USD 8 million in 2021. The 2017 approval of US imports of Colombian avocados marked the beginning of shipments in 2018. The Colombia Avocado Board's managing director highlighted the substantial expansion of approved orchards, increasing avocado export volumes to the US. During the fiscal year ending Jun-23, over 31 million pounds (lbs) of avocados were exported to the US market, compared to less than 1 million lbs in 2019.
Ecuador achieved a significant milestone in avocado exports, with the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad) confirming the approval of a protocol for fresh avocado export to the US. After a decade of negotiations, an operational work plan (OWP) was established following a technical agreement between Agrocalidad and the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), officially signed on July 25, 2023. Although an official first shipment date is pending confirmation, this development opens new avenues for Ecuador's avocado industry. Approximately 160 avocado producers are registered from Carchi, El Oro, Guayas, Imbabura, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha, Santa Elena, and Tungurahua.
Avocado production in Brazil experienced substantial growth, with a 38.59% increase between 2017 and 2021, encompassing an area of 18.1 thousand hectares (ha). The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reports productivity of 301 thousand tons of avocados in the previous year. Around 27.60 thousand tons of avocados passed through Ceagesp, the country's largest fruit commercialization center, from Jan-23 to May-23, representing approximately 25% of the national crop. Leading avocado-producing states include São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and the Federal District. One contributing factor to this growth is localized irrigation technology.
Lastly, severe drought conditions lasting for four years have resulted in a critical water shortage in the La Axarquía region in Spain. The main reservoir, La Viñuela, has diminished to 9% of its capacity, raising concerns over avocado cultivation’s future. The drought and illegal water extraction practices have led to a significant drop in production. Urgent long-term solutions have been proposed, including developing drought-resistant avocado varieties, enhancing irrigation systems through technology like drones and sensors, and establishing desalination plants. To mitigate losses, some farmers are shifting their focus to more water-efficient fruits like mango, pitaya, maracuja, and lychee.