The Mexican government and the APEAM have promoted four policies to support avocado production in Mexico.
First, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard presented the “Franja de Michoacán” avocado geographical indication on Tuesday.
This area comprises the municipalities of Acuitzio, Apatzingán, Ario, Cotija, Charapan, Erongarícuaro, Jiménez, Madero, Morelia, Nuevo Parangaricutiro, Parácuaro, Pátzcuaro, Peribán, Purépero, Quiroga, Los Reyes, Salvador Escalante, Tacámbaro, Tancítaro, Tangamandapio, Tangancícuaro, Taretan, Tingambato, Tingüindín, Tocumbo, Turicato, Tuxpan, Uruapan, Zacapu, Ziracuaretiro, and Zitácuaro.
The Michoacán Avocado Belt (FAM) encompasses these 31 municipalities.
In addition, Michoacán has three designations of origin: tequila, mezcal, and charanda.
Policies Supporting Avocado Production
As a second policy, on December 16, 2025, Mexico’s federal and state governments launched a Labor Certificate for agriculture-related exports. They worked together with Michoacán’s avocado export sector as part of the “Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice.”
This certificate will initially apply to Hass avocado exports and will be gradually extended to other agricultural products.
The certificate aims to ensure compliance with labor laws. This includes verification that each export shipment is supported by workers who are formally employed and registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
There will be a six-month trial period beginning April 1, 2026, during which exports may continue even without the certificate, to allow producers time to adapt and correct any inconsistencies.
Deforestation
Meanwhile, on August 29, 2024, the state of Michoacán implemented a voluntary certification system called Guardián del Bosque, designed to address deforestation linked to avocado cultivation. According to state government officials, the system will provide compensation for environmental services to producers who prevent deforestation.
Exports
Finally, the federal government launched the Mexican Avocado Import Program. APHIS and SENASICA continue to oversee exports under the Operational Work Plan (POT) for Hass avocados. Additionally, this plan grants access to the U.S. market for avocado imports from Mexico.
As part of the POT, the fruit must come from orchards verified and certified by SENASICA inspectors in Mexico and must also be inspected at packing houses by APHIS inspectors before being exported to the United States.
Currently, Mexico is authorized to export avocados from two states: Michoacán and Jalisco.