Congress hears how avocados play a key role in driving the shift from animal to plant-based diets
Sustainability was the central theme of Monday’s congress organised by the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) in conjunction with Fepex and Spanish associations Aecam and Cooperativas Agro Alimentarias for the star product of this year’s Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid.
With climate change becoming an ever-pressing global concern, the shift towards plant-rich diets has emerged as a critical solution for both environmental sustainability and human health.
WAO noted that with most of the greenhouse gases from the food sector attributed to livestock farming and industrial-scale animal breeding, avocados play a pivotal role in supporting the necessary shift towards a plant-based diet.
“While water consumption can be a contentious issue, the truth is that avocados consume more or less the same water as other fruits and vegetables, and far less than many very popular foods,” WAO said.
“Studies have shown that avocados have a total average water footprint of around 800 litres per kg and jus 2.4kg of CO2 emissions per kg, avocados use roughly 8 to 10 times less water than beef, chocolate and coffee and produce 25 times fewer greenhouse gases than beef, 10 times less than cheese, and about the same as that of other fruits.
“Moreover, the avocado industry represents just 0.031 per cent of the total global crop trade, further reducing its overall impact on the environment. They only make up 4 to 5 per cent of the global production of fruit and vegetables. Compared to other large-scale crops such as bananas, avocados are just a small player with a positive ecological footprint.”
WAO pointed out that avocado trees are perennial plants that help capture carbon and foster biodiversity, making them an eco-friendly choice for sustainable farming. Moreover, it said the avocado industry is resilient and adaptable to climate change, with cultivation possible in a variety of climates across the globe. As the industry continues to evolve, it has embraced innovative solutions such as drip irrigation technology, artificial intelligence and sensors to reduce water usage and improve sustainability.
“Avocados have unfairly become the scapegoat in emotional discussions about water usage in agriculture, and the culprit for Spain’s drought. But the reality is very different,” said Dr Julio Berbel, agricultural and water expert and professor from the University of Córdoba.
“Avocados use significantly less water than many animal-based products. It’s time to recognise them as a sustainable option in the shift toward plant-rich diets that benefit both people and the planet. Improved governance and water management - including controlled use of groundwater, irrigation, reclaimed wastewater and optimised water usage through desalination and new innovative technologies are the way forward to better manage our natural resources under threat”.
Zac Bard, chairman of the WAO, commented: “Our purpose at the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) is to create a harmonious balance between meeting the need for more healthy diet options, safeguarding the environment, and uplifting the livelihoods of those engaged in avocado production.
“The avocado industry’s commitment to even further reducing its water and carbon footprints shows what’s possible when innovation and sustainability work hand in hand. Now, it’s up to governments, the agricultural industry and consumers to support this shift and in doing so, make a lasting impact on both our ecosystems and the global food system.”
WAO highlighted the fact that avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an easy and efficient way to boost the nutritional value of any diet.
A survey commissioned by the WAO revealed that the average European consumes just under 1 avocado a week and 97 per cent place importance on healthy eating.
“This demonstrates how an overwhelming majority of consumers are integrating avocados into their diets as part of a healthier lifestyle,” the organisation said. “In conclusion, avocados provide not only a nutritious food option but also a sustainable alternative in the search for a more eco-friendly global food system.”
