Avocados play a key role in driving the shift from animal to plant-based diets with a positive impact on both health and planet
Plant-Rich Diets: The Pathway to a Healthier Planet and a Sustainable Future
With climate change becoming an ever-pressing global concern, the shift towards more plant-rich diets emerges as a critical solution for both environmental sustainability and human health. Even if we eliminated fossil fuel consumption tomorrow, it wouldn’t be enough to meet the 1.5°C global temperature rise target without substantial dietary changes. The food sector, particularly animal agriculture, is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions.
One in three greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming come from the food sector, with the majority attributed to livestock farming and industrial-scale animal breeding. The impact of animal agriculture extends to deforestation as well. 41% of global deforestation is driven by beef production. In contrast, vegetable, fruit and nut crops contribute just 7% to deforestation, illustrating the potential for plant-based foods to reduce environmental damage.
Avocados are part of Sustainable Farming
One crop, in particular, is playing a pivotal role in supporting this necessary shift: the avocado. Avocados aren’t just tasty and healthy, they have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to many animal-based food products.
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. Studies have shown that avocados have a total average water footprint of around 800 litres per kilogram and just 2.4 kg of CO2 emissions per kilogram, 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% of the total global crop trade, further reducing its overall impact on the environment. They only make up 4 to 5% 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.
Avocado trees are perennial plants that help capture carbon and foster biodiversity, making them an eco-friendly choice for sustainable farming. The avocado industry is also 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 as Scapegoats
“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,” says Dr Julio Berbel, agricultural and water expert and professor from the Universidad de Córdoba, at the Avocado Congress at the international trade fair FruitAttraction in Madrid on 7th October 2024.
“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”.
“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,” says Zac Bard, Chairman of WAO. “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.”
Avocados are one of the Healthiest Fruits on the Planet
Avocados, a nutrient-dense fruit packed with essential vitamins and minerals, are widely recognised for their health benefits. Free from sugars and rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, they have become a favourite for health-conscious consumers around the world. With only half an avocado needed to receive a high volume of nutrients, avocados are an easy and efficient way to boost the nutritional value of any diet.
A survey commissioned by the World Avocado Organisation revealed that the average European consumes just under 1 avocado a week and 97% 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.
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.
