Mexico's Top Avocado-producing State, After Security Concerns Had Halted the Operations Needed to Export the Prized Fruit to American

The U.S. suspended inspections earlier this month due to security threats, raising worries about potential disruptions to avocado supplies on U.S. grocery shelves. The resumption follows a partial restart announced last week by the U.S. embassy across sections of Michoacan's "avocado belt. U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her efforts to strengthen local security measures.

"I recognize the Government of Mexico, particularly its Security Cabinet, for the actions and close coordination that made this full resumption possible efficiently, he said in a statement Thursday. We will continue to monitor security conditions and adjust our operations as appropriate. A Michoacan government official previously told that authorities believed the initial alert was prompted by violence following the detention of alleged cartel leader Alfonso Fernandez Magallon.

The official also noted unconfirmed reports suggesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector may have been threatened, highlighting ongoing security challenges in a region long affected by violence. Sheinbaum said Mexico was working with the U.S. Embassy to ensure inspector safety, deploying more than 1,500 soldiers and National Guard troops to Michoacan.