World Avocado Organisation responds to UK gardener Alan Titchmarsh’s interview in The Times, where he expressed concerns over the fruit’s environmental impact
The World Avocado Organisation (WAO) has responded to this week’s call by celebrity UK gardener Alan Titchmarsh to boycott the fruit, saying avocados have been “unfairly scapegoated”.
In an interview with The Times, the television gardening expert said people should replace avocados with cereal for breakfast, citing concerns over their environmental impact.
However, the WAO reaffirmed the fact that the carbon footprint of avocados was comparable to many other fruits, while also offering other benefits.
”While we appreciate and respect Alan Titchmarsh’s concerns about sustainability and acknowledge his expertise as a respected gardener, it is important to note that his area of expertise does not extend to the avocado industry,” the WAO told Fruitnet.
”Avocados have been unfairly scapegoated in sustainability debates, despite their carbon footprint being comparable to many other fruits and their role in not only supporting biodiversity and reducing soil erosion but also providing essential nutrients.
”Unlike highly processed cereals, which often contain added sugars and contribute to packaging waste, avocados are whole foods that align with a sustainable diet when grown responsibly,” it continued.
”Rather than oversimplifying the discussion, we should focus on informed, balanced food choices that promote both human health and environmental well-being.”
The WAO pointed out that avocado’s carbon footprint (2.4kg CO2/kg) was comparable to plums (2.4kg), strawberries (2.3kg), and raspberries (2.6kg).
”Claims about avocados being shipped long distances also misrepresent the facts, as the UK imports them mainly from Peru, Chile, Colombia, and South Africa,” it explained.
”Additionally, avocados are transported by sea, which emits 25 times fewer emissions than road transport and 145 times fewer than airfreight.”
Avocados came from perennial trees that helped capture carbon, reduce soil erosion, and support biodiversity, WAO noted.
Furthermore, avocados imported to the UK were subject to ”rigorous checks from renowned organisations and authorities” to ensure that the growers and importers were using approved sustainable and ethical methods.
The organisation said that, while they may be more expensive, their price reflected sustainable farming practices, transportation, and fair labour.
”Rather than being a problem, avocados are part of a sustainable food system when grown responsibly,” the WAO explained.
”They support farmers, contribute to biodiversity, and provide essential nutrients. Swapping avocados for processed cereals is neither healthier nor more sustainable.
“Instead of scapegoating avocados, the focus should be on informed, balanced food choices that support both human health and the planet,” it concluded.
