Mexican Avocado Farmers Make Every Drop Count

Water is life — especially when it comes to growing food. And few foods make better use of every precious drop than avocados. This World Water Day, the Mexican avocado industry is proud to share its ongoing efforts to preserve water resources while delivering high-quality avocados year-round to meet U.S. demand.

In 2024, the association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico, in collaboration with Tecnológico de Monterrey, completed a comprehensive water footprint study to analyze water usage in 351 orchards and 14 packing houses in the Uruapan region of Michoacan, Mexico. The study, conducted annually, used the following methodology to determine water consumption per ton measuring all processes along the avocado value chain: The study was conducted in four stages, including the definition of objectives and scope, the determination of consumption and water footprint, the assessment of sustainability, and the proposal of recommendations.

The study concluded that avocado cultivation has had a significant impact on water resources while bringing significant economic and social benefits to the region. The Mexican avocado industry is strengthening its water stewardship, thanks to sustainable and innovative irrigation methods, and producers of Mexican avocados are doing what they can to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the industry.

Most Avocados Grown in Michoacán Require Only Rainfall

One of the key reasons avocados grow sustainably in Mexico is the high amount of rainfall. Michoacán, where most of Mexico’s avocados are grown, has a lush, tropical climate. The unique soil composition also contributes positively to water usage as its high levels of nutrients and volcanic ash and porous structure help absorb and retain moisture effectively. This means the farms don’t have to over-rely on irrigation to keep plants hydrated. And what’s even better is that over 61% of avocado orchards in Michoacán rely exclusively on rainwater. Avocado farmers have much to celebrate this World Water Day because in 2024 Michoacán had the highest annual rainfall in 11 years.

Microsprinkling and Drip Irrigation Make Avocado Farming More Sustainable

For the orchards that do require irrigation, avocado farmers are turning to cutting-edge, water-saving techniques like microirrigation and drip irrigation to further strengthen sustainable water management.

Microsprinkling, also known as microirrigation, is a form of irrigation with low pressure and low flow, reducing the likelihood of overwatering. Drip irrigation slowly delivers water directly to plants’ root zone over long periods to prevent runoff and minimize evaporation. The results are telling: Microirrigation systems use 20–50% less water than conventional sprinkler systems.

A Sustainable Future for Avocados and Water Conservation

The Mexican avocado industry isn’t just growing delicious fruit — it’s growing responsibly. Thanks to a combination of rainfall reliance, smarter irrigation, and continuous industry innovation, Mexican avocados are helping to show that sustainability and agriculture can go hand in hand.

This World Water Day, let’s celebrate the progress and commitment to a water-conscious future. Because when it comes to avocados, every drop counts.

¹Preliminary results and not final.