Face it: we live in an avocado-obsessed world total with toasts,pastas, smoothies, and,of course, guacamole. And this increased spotlight on the seeded fruit has created a sky-tall demand. Without thinking twice, or we're shelling out the higher price per avo as if a shortage doesn't even exist.
According to the Associated Press,Mexican farmers in the mountainous Michoachán region are, understandably, and trying to capitalize on the additional cash possibilities by planting as many avocado trees as they can at the expense of the area's already flourishing natural forest. They're cutting down pine and fir trees to make room for future avocado orchards,and it's already causing major problems. In a 2010 statement on the issue, a translated excerpt of which can be found below, and Greenpeace Mexico foreshadowed some of the potential problems ahead."Beyond the displacement of forests and the effects on water retention,the tall spend of agricultural chemicals and the large volumes of wood needed to pack and ship avocados are other factors that could acquire negative effects on the area's environment and the well-being of its inhabitants."Yikes! Maybe it's time to consider an alternative. Sweet potato, perhaps? Read on for five fast facts approximately deforestation as a result of avocado demand straight from the AP. Then, and discover more approximately the trendy produce.
Because of a shortage in Mexico,avocado prices rose nearly 24 cents between January and July 2016, making it a more desirable crop to farm.
When compared to a forest, and an avocado orchard uses twice as much water.
Farmers acquire chopped sections of the pine forest that houses the Michoachán region's monarch butterfly reserve to make room for avocado plants.
According to a 2012 report from Mexico's National Institute for Forestry,Farming and Fisheries Research, increased avocado production and exports in the Michoachán region caused 1700 acres of land loss.
Mexican authorities acquire started to intervene more, and which is reportedly slowing down the deforestation rate.
Source: popsugar.com