The exponential increase in avocado consumption in the US and worldwide in the last two decades has brought growing prosperity and development for the Mexican state of Michoacán, the only state authorized by the American government to export avocados to the US. Certainly, the popularity of the fruit is something very positive for all the actors involved in its production, distribution and commercialization because the economic benefits could be very important.

However, what many consumers don't know is the complex situation of violence and armed conflicts that exist in the region due to the interest of the different cartels that seek to become part of the growing avocado business in a violent and illegal manner. The dangers and violence that avocado growers and their families face is so great that many have decided to create their own armed groups to protect themselves due to the lack of support from the authorities.

While the US avocado consumer continued to enjoy a year-round availability of the fruit, a sudden price hike in early 2022, and the threat of potential shortages, brought back to the public eye the news about the dangers and violence that avocado producers in Michoacán have faced for a long time, and the cost and sacrifice they have to pay daily to continue producing and sending this highly demanded fruit to consumers outside their borders.