The Jalisco Avocado Growers and Exporters Association (APEAJAL) and Rainforest Alliance have expressed their willingness to deepen this collaboration to promote a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility, balancing the care of ecosystems and food production, the objectives of this collaboration include actions to promote and strengthen sustainable avocado production by members of APEAJAL, collaboration to align projects of this association to the Sierra de Tapalpa Action Plan with LandScale indicators and the promotion of Rainforest Alliance certification with affiliated producers and packers.

Thus, on September 29, within the framework of the “Sigue La Rana” campaign promoted by the Rainforest Alliance at a global level, APEAJAL and the Rainforest Alliance met at 12:15 p.m. in Guadalajara, Jalisco to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. Armando García, Director of APEAJAL, Santiago Machado, Director of Rainforest Alliance México, met there, along with other attendees from the sector. This signing of an agreement consolidates the collaboration and commitment of the Jalisco avocado industry to more sustainable practices throughout its value chain, as well as the willingness to join efforts to achieve positive impacts on its supply landscapes.

Here you can see how to get certified: https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/es/certificacion/

MSc. Armando García Angulo, director and Eduardo Juarez Gomez, Traceability coordinator of APEAJAL represented the avocado industry, at the meeting the MSc. Armando García stressed that the platform will be the spearhead at the national level and that this depends both on the talent of the university students who participated in the project, and on the will of the organizations, benefiting the country; to farmers and society. Sergio Octavio Rosales Aguayo, director of the Ciudad Guzmán Technological Institute, as well as the nine students who collaborated in carrying out the project and Dr. Raquel Ochoa Ornelas, responsible for the project, attended the meeting.

AMOCALI awards ITCG students

In 2022, APEAJAL, in coordination with the Technological Institute of Ciudad Guzmán, raised the needs of having a traceability platform in the state of Jalisco for the collection of pesticide containers, ASICA, ANEBERRIES and AMOCALI were integrated into the project.

SIGAMEX is a multi-platform traceability system for empty containers that can be accessed from the computer and mobile device, this is intended to ensure that Producers have access to updated information, in the app they can find the closest collection points as well as other nearby points; distributors, itinerant days and collection centers.

In addition, electronic receipts are generated that users can access at any time; a database and updated stocks in the CATs and in the new recovery points.

The project had the collaboration and support of several institutions Photo: Courtesy ITCG

The SIGAMEX system will allow the timely monitoring of empty agrochemical containers and thus traceability between agricultural producer and final destination, so that producers have a simple and friendly way to manage their empty agrochemical containers, and that by having collection points nearby, resources are optimized, in addition to having statistical information and producing less pollution. commented Eduardo Juarez, who managed the realization of the project.

It is currently expected that a pilot test will be launched in October 2023 in the north of the country (Chihuahua, Coahuila and Sonora) hoping to begin operations at the beginning of 2024.

Consult the AMOCALI programs at https://campolimpio.org.mx/ and ASICA at https://sader.jalisco.gob.mx/asica.

To date, we have exported more than 27,206.82 tons to the neighboring country to the north.

In a series of coordinated efforts by producers, packers, government institutions, as well as the support of APEAM, APEAJAL was in charge of directing the actions to achieve this achievement, we can highlight:

Organization of 7 Courses on the FSMA Food Safety Modernization Law in the Local Plant Health Boards of Zapotlán el Grande, Laguna de Sayula Region and Concepción de Buenos Aires, training 200 attendees; producers, packers, cutting crews and staff of the Local Boards.

Additionally, APEAJAL served as a link between SENASICA, USDA and the Local Boards for the certification of orchards and packaging that export to the US.

Producers, exporters and cutting crews were trained in the FSMA Law

Our association knows that the success of the industry depends on the quality of the fruit we produce and market, we must continue to take care in the way of production, for the benefit of the promotion of good practices: APEAJAL collaborated with national and international certifications in matters of health and safety, which is why it participated in the Global GAP Tour, disseminating this certification.

• The Avosys Jalisco Avocado Traceability system was maintained to continue complying with national and international standards.
• We participated in a study and training of the UdeG on the microorganisms of interest for the Jalisco avocado.To encourage applied research and the development of knowledge, APEAJAL: Together with the University of Guadalajara (UdeG), he carried out a study on the carbon footprint of the Jalisco avocado.
• We cooperate with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to evaluate the socio-environmental status of the Jalisco Avocado industry.
• Together with the Pollinator Committee, he did a study to identify the floral visitors of the Jalisco avocado.
• We recognize that our industry must continue to strengthen, which is why different projects were promoted to achieve this goal: 
• Mediterranean fly emergency careWork plans for compliance with phytosanitary requirements of China, South Korea, and the US.
• Steps to open various markets
• Proposal for the Jalisco Avocado Cluster
• Promotion of Jalisco avocado in Europe and other markets
• Project for standardization of dry matter determination technique in avocado.
• Communication on social networks and different media
• Strategy for Jalisco Avocado in China and Europe

In 2022 APEAJAL reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, carrying out the following actions: 

• The forest nursery reached an annual production of 100,000 units of native forest species.41,905 units of different forest species were planted, reforesting 1,417.4 hectares.
• 67 forest fires were fought, conserving 6,300 hectares of forests
• The Agreement with Rainforest Alliance was followed up to include more certified hectares, disseminating programs such as Global GAP GRASP and SPRING.
• Participation in the Sierra de Tapalpa LandScale Project
• Participation with FAO in discussion forums on climate change and sustainability.
• Development of a digital platform for Campo Limpio, helping to return empty containers, avoiding environmental contamination.

 Actions of the forestry brigade to restore degraded areas

Additionally, we participate in responsible Recruitment projects to improve the conditions of our collaborators, in addition to making agreements and projects with local Universities, State and National Institutes, currently having 10 active students, in various projects for the benefit of the industry and society

We provide scholarships for training teachers on safety issues.

Agricultural Innovation students apply their knowledge with forest species

Without a doubt, APEAJAL continues to work to make the Jalisco avocado industry a modern and sustainable industry. We will continue carrying out strategic projects that not only allow more consumers to know the benefits of avocado, but due to its innovative nature, introduce improvements in agricultural and packaging practices. 

The Association of Avocado Producers and Exporters of Jalisco works for its associates and for the benefit of the communities where our activities are carried out. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about our projects. We hope next year to continue supporting the industry, bringing each further afield, the Jalisco avocado.

• 2 Avocados
• 250 g Canned tuna fish
• 2 Cucumbers
• 1 Onion
• 1 Bunch of parsley and 1 bunch of coriander
• 1/4 Cup olive oil
• 1 Tomato chopped in cubes

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut the avocado in half, remove the peel and pit by using a spoon. Cut the flesh into thick slices.

Cut the cucumber into very thin slices. Chop the onion into Julienne strips.

Drain the tuna fish cans, crumble the meat and set aside.

In a bowl, put the olive oil with the vinegar, cilantro, parsley and tuna fish. 

Place a slice of avocado, onion, cucumber, tuna fish and cover with another slice of avocado.

• 2 Avocados
• 4 Pineapple slices
• 1 Can of coconut milk
• 1 Can of condensed milk
• 2 Fresh Pineapple slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all the ingredients in the blender until a uniform and thick consistency is obtained in the mixture.

Pour into suitable glass containers or cups and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Garnish with pineapple slices and enjoy.

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• 2 Avocados
• 1 Teaspoon of finely chopped coriander
• Juice from 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper
• Crumbled goat cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the avocado with coriander and lemon juice, season as desired.

Serve with goat cheese and accompany with bread or crackers.