Mission Produce to Combat Illegal Deforestation

Mission Produce, a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, adopted a new policy to address illegal deforestation linked to avocado farming in Michoacan. This move aims to reduce the environmental impact of the avocado industry in one of Mexico's key production regions, known for significant contributions to the global avocado market.

As part of its new policy, Mission Produce has committed to exclude avocados sourced from 279 orchards recently flagged by Michoacan’s Ministry of Environment as associated with illegal deforestation. The company has committed to a quarterly review of these orchards, evaluating any newly identified orchards that may also be linked to deforestation. Mission Produce noted it would consider stakeholder input in determining whether or to what extent it would source from these orchards in the future. 

In addition to the direct sourcing policy, Mission Produce announced plans to monitor regulatory developments and engage with third-party organizations in the industry. The company is also considering adopting further measures aligned with the “Pro-Forest” Environmental Certification program, introduced by Michoacan’s Ministry of Environment to combat deforestation.

John Pawlowski, President and COO, Mission Produce, highlighted that illegal deforestation in Michoacan, from where a substantial majority of Mexico's total avocado production originates, is a critical issue for the company and stakeholders. “While we cannot solve the issue of illegal deforestation in this region alone, this policy demonstrates our commitment to being part of the solution and aims to set a positive precedent in the industry,” he said.