Coupling Effects of Mexican Avocado Production with Demand in the United States: A Social-Ecological Perspective on Sustainability Concerns

Authors

Kenneth R. Young, University of Texas at AustinFollow
Eugenio Y. Arima, University of Texas at AustinFollow
Audrey Denvir, University of Texas at Austin, World Resources InstituteFollow
Felipe García-Oliva, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia, Michoacán, MéxicoFollow
Antonio González-Rodríguez, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia, Michoacán, MéxicoFollow
María Camila Latorre-Cárdenas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia, Michoacán, MéxicoFollow
Olimpia M. Valdivia Ramirez, University of Texas at AustinFollow
Rebecca Torres, University of Texas at AustinFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-0866-1260

Abstract / Resumen / Resumo

In this perspective, we illustrate the major elements of the telecoupled social-ecological system that connects the production of avocados in the highlands of Mexico with demand for avocado in the United States. The social and environmental consequences along the supply chain highlighted here range from deforestation to an increase in out-migration and organized crime. Mitigation could include forest conservation practices and a shift in the production system towards ecological management. Nevertheless, these actions should also engage with initiatives fueled by consumer demand for products untarnished by environmental degradation or social injustices.

Recommended Citation

Young, Kenneth R.; Arima, Eugenio Y.; Denvir, Audrey; García-Oliva, Felipe; González-Rodríguez, Antonio; Latorre-Cárdenas, María Camila; Valdivia Ramirez, Olimpia M.; and Torres, Rebecca (2025) "Coupling Effects of Mexican Avocado Production with Demand in the United States: A Social-Ecological Perspective on Sustainability Concerns," Journal of Latin American Geography 24(1): 141-152.
DOI: 10.1353/lag.2025.a962804
Available at: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/15/article/962804