Impact of Cartels on Avocado Production

The avocado industry in Mexico is facing severe challenges due to the influence of powerful drug cartels, primarily the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and La Nueva Familia Mituacan. The Jalisco cartel, notorious for its brutal tactics, operates on a principle of instilling fear, leading avocado growers to form self-defense groups against their violent extortion practices. In contrast, La Nueva Familia is allied with the Sinaloa cartel and employs a more strategic approach, using violence as a means to expand their influence and diversify operations, including those related to avocado production. This environment of intimidation and coercion has created a troubling scenario for local farmers, who now must navigate both protection rackets and the threat of violence to maintain their livelihoods.