Mexico's National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) has identified seven states that could potentially grow quality avocados on a commercial scale, decentralizing cultivation away from Michoacán.

INIFAP has highlighted opportunities in the states of Morelos, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Puebla to raise the country's production and meet growing international demand.

Researchers from the country's Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food Service (SAGARPA) have studied ways to grow the fruit sustainably in these new zones, emphasizing the use of low-impact technologies and the undertaking of forest conservation and restoration.

The researchers highlighted the fundamental role that forests played in the balance of watersheds, and providing "environmental services" to society.

The state of Michoacán currently accounts for 74% of Mexico's avocado production.

www.freshfruitportal.com