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Mexico proposes national agency take over U.S. avocado inspectors' duties amid security concerns
🇲🇽 Mexico /Economy & Trade

Mexico proposes national agency take over U.S. avocado inspectors' duties amid security concerns

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Mexico's president proposed delegating avocado certification to a national agency after the U.S. suspended imports due to security concerns.
  • The president stated that security in Michoacán has improved since a plan was implemented following the local mayor's assassination.
  • Officials are meeting with the U.S. embassy to resolve the issue and resume avocado exports, with national inspectors ready to step in if needed.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo reiterated her proposal to transfer the responsibility of certifying Mexican avocados to the National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica). This comes after the United States suspended import activities, citing threats to its personnel in Michoacán.

During her press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum Pardo announced a meeting with the U.S. embassy and stated that efforts are underway with avocado producers to enhance security. "We told the United States: 'Look, are there any issues for the U.S. inspectors who need to review this certification in Michoacán, in which places?' We provide them with full support to do their work safely, and if they cannot delegate this work to Senasica, which is an institution of the Secretariat of Agriculture that would develop it in that case," she explained.

We told the United States: 'Look, are there any issues for the U.S. inspectors who need to review this certification in Michoacán, in which places?' We provide them with full support to do their work safely, and if they cannot delegate this work to Senasica, which is an institution of the Secretariat of Agriculture that would develop it in that case.

— Claudia Sheinbaum PardoDuring her press conference on Friday, explaining the proposal to delegate avocado certification to Senasica.

The primary goal of the day's meeting is to resolve these issues and allow avocado exports to resume. Sheinbaum assured that security has improved in Michoacán since the "Plan Michoacán" was established after the assassination of Uruapan's mayor, Carlos Manzo, noting significant security presence acknowledged even by avocado producers.

However, she acknowledged that producers in other municipalities have reported security concerns. "So, I met with them, with the association, several producers came, they asked for support in different matters, and we are supporting them," Sheinbaum said. The president also mentioned that the Tax Administration Service (SAT) is assisting avocado producers. Previously, Sheinbaum had requested an urgent meeting with the U.S. Embassy and relevant departments to either resume the inspection work or substitute it with Senasica inspectors.

So, I met with them, with the association, several producers came, they asked for support in different matters, and we are supporting them.

— Claudia Sheinbaum PardoAddressing reported security concerns from producers in other municipalities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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