Better guacamole? How avocado import rules helped cut Mexico’s water pollution – it holds lessons for future US trade deals

Pressure from trade agreements can clean up sources of environmental harm, leading to cleaner rivers in the case of Mexico’s much-loved avocados.

By: Jayash Paudel, University of Oklahoma, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 29, 2026

Words: 1,031

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

Body Text Preview

By Jayash Paudel, University of Oklahoma

At picnics and World Cup watch parties across the United States this summer, people have been reaching for bowls of chips and guacamole. Most of that guacamole is made from avocados grown in Mexico – on orchards that, in what might come as a surprise, contribute less water pollution today than they did a decade ago.

There’s a story behind how these creamy fruits started to clean up their …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us