USDA Suspends Mexican Packing Operations

Yesterday, February 22, the Mexican Army killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), triggering immediate and widespread violence and civil unrest across multiple Mexican states. In direct response, the U.S. government has suspended all USDA personnel from operating inside the packhouses and in and field work. Currently, there is a shelter in place order for most USDA employees throughout Mexico.

Because a USDA inspector must be physically present at every certified export packing facility for operations to proceed, this suspension has brought all packing activity to a full stop — mangoes, avocados, and most export commodities effected by USDA inspections, across all states and all facilities.

Duration is unknown and dependent on conditions stabilizing.

Border crossing and trucking corridor delays are an additional variable being monitored closely.

For Crespo Organic, fruit  was received in Nogales and McAllen over the weekend and more packed prior to the shutdown is in transit, with several trucks crossing the border today. A short disruption will not materially impact our U.S. supply. If the suspension extends, the effect grows — and a prolonged halt becomes an industry-wide issue without exception.

This is a fluid, developing situation. More to follow.