The Official Gazette of the Federation published the application for the Declaration of Protection of the Geographical Indication (GI) “Michoacán Strip Avocado,” formally initiating the process that seeks to legally recognize and safeguard the origin, quality, and reputation of the state’s main agri-food product.
The Governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, celebrated the progress and explained that the publication—issued by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI)—opens a two-month public consultation period, a key step in consolidating a distinctive mark that will prevent the misuse of the region’s name by outside producers.
“With this publication, Michoacán begins the final stage to obtain a seal of identity that is, in effect, a lifeline for our ‘green gold.’ We are not only protecting a product, we are protecting Michoacán’s prestige before the world,” the governor emphasized at a press conference.
Ramírez Bedolla emphasized that the Geographical Indication (GI) will strengthen the commercial value of Michoacán avocados in national and international markets.
Currently, Michoacán accounts for 30.9% of global avocado production and contributes 85.9% of Mexican avocado exports.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Economic Development, Claudio Méndez, explained that only avocado producers who meet specific criteria will be eligible to apply for authorization to use the GI. These criteria include: fruit shape and color, dry matter content, good environmental practices, harvesting method, quality standards, and proper storage and handling.
The application for protection covers 31 avocado-producing municipalities: Acuitzio, Apatzingán, Ario, Cotija, Charapan, Erongarícuaro, Jiménez, Madero, Morelia, Nuevo Parangaricutiro, Parácuaro, Pátzcuaro, Peribán, Purépero, Quiroga, Los Reyes, Salvador Escalante, Tacámbaro, Tancítaro, Tangamandapio, Tangancícuaro, Taretan, Tingambato, Tingüindín, Tocumbo, Turicato, Tuxpan, Uruapan, Zacapu, Ziracuaretiro, and Zitácuaro.
With this step, Michoacán is moving toward a protection scheme that seeks to guarantee traceability, differentiation, and greater competitiveness for its avocados in global markets.
Source: portalfruticola
