Two mayoral candidates were shot dead on the 26th in Marabatio, southeastern Mexico’s Michoacan state, the world’s largest producer of avocados, known as ‘green gold’ due to their high profitability. Avocado is a healthy superfood and is especially popular in developed countries such as the United States. However, in Mexico, competition between criminal groups over control of distribution is fierce, leading to frequent violence.
According to local media, including El Universal, Miguel Angel Sabala Reyes, a mayoral candidate and incumbent doctor belonging to the ruling Morena Party, was shot and killed by an assailant while traveling in a car in downtown Marabatio on the afternoon of the 26th. On the same night, Armando Pérez Luna, a candidate for mayor of the opposition National Action Party (PAN), was also shot dead by a gunman.
Authorities estimate that the crime was committed by forces trying to influence the presidential, general, and local council elections ahead of June 2, when they are held simultaneously. The state of Michoacán is famous as an area where various criminal organizations are active, including the ‘Jalisco New Generation Cartel’ (CJNG), which is considered the worst criminal organization in Mexico. The conflict between organizations is also causing trouble. Last year, out of all 32 states, it had the fifth highest number of attacks targeting politicians and government officials.
At the same time, in the state of Michoacan, avocados can be harvested four times a year due to the mild climate. About 70% of Mexico’s avocado production is produced here. Many of these are exported to the United States, which accounts for nearly half of global demand. According to Statista, a website specializing in statistics, per capita avocado consumption among Americans in 2022 will be approximately 4.2 kg, approximately four times more than 20 years ago.
As the profitability of avocado cultivation increases, many criminal organizations are competing for distribution rights. Local civic group ‘Civic Data’ expressed concern that attacks by various criminal organizations could reach the worst level in history this year, when not only the local council oath but also the presidential election will be held.
Illegal land clearing for avocado cultivation is also serious. From 2018 to 2023, at least 300 km2 of forest was converted into avocado farms. Accordingly, the authorities recently announced that they would block the export of avocados grown in illegal cultivation areas.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.