Xavier Equihua at the World Avocado Organization said: “Recently the media has raised concerns around avocados and their sustainability, namely issues around water consumption and land concerns – The World Avocado Organization is happy to debunk the common misconception that avocados require large volumes of water for cultivation as the average water footprint per kg of avocado is just 1/15th of the water required to irrigate the same quantity of beef (source: waterfootprint.org).
The Avocado can also adapt to different climatic zones across the world and is widely grown in high rainfall areas such as Mexico, where avocados are naturally irrigated. Where irrigation is required, water-efficient systems are widely implemented across commercial orchards to ensure sustainable harvesting.
Small-scale avocado farming can contribute to a viable and sustainable rural economy; traded domestically or exported. These farmers are often supported by private or public sectors to enable small-scale farmers to prosper. Growing and exporting has become a significant business factor for countries such as South Africa, as well as Peru and Mexico, generating employment and economic security. It not only stimulates the labour market but also fosters technical knowledge among farmers and their employees.
The nutrient-dense fruit continues its reign of the UK as the king of superfood, served across the country in homes and restaurants alike with no sign of decline.”
