In recent years, more and more avocados have been eaten. Can farmers still meet demand?
Did you know… The Netherlands is the second largest avocado importer in the world, we export a large part of the avocados to other countries, but we eat almost three times as many avocados compared to a few years ago.
Avocados need a lot of water More than 80 percent of all avocados in America grow in California. The state has been struggling with drought for the last few years, while avocados need water:to grow half a kilo of avocados, it takes more than 265 liters of water.
Drought is not only a threat
There is another threat to the avocado in America:the ragweed beetle, a beetle that sickens trees with a fungus. So far, we've managed to keep the pest at bay, but the beetle is getting closer and closer and could endanger avocado plantations. Are dogs and drones the solution to the plague?
Not only in America are difficulties Also in Mexico, where the US imports the most avocados from, and Chile is concerned about stocks. Mexico is struggling with problems with cartels in addition to drought. Suppose production in the US goes wrong, then they will import more avocados from other countries.
Consequences for the Netherlands
Not everyone fears avocado shortages. The Netherlands imports avocados from Peru, where there are no problems for the time being. But if the demand for avocados continues in the upward trend in recent years, that could have consequences.
