Background and Relevance
In an effort to ensure fair working conditions in the agricultural sector, particularly for avocado exports, Mexico has introduced the Labor Certification for Agroexportation. This initiative stems from the Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment 63, focusing on securing social protection for agricultural day laborers.
Key Players and Collaboration
The Secretariats of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS), Agriculture and Rural Development (SAGARPA), and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) collaborated with the Michoacán State Government and the avocado production sector to present the Labor Certification for Agroexportation and the VELAGRO platform.
Notable Attendees
- Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, Governor of Michoacán
- Marath Bolaños López, Secretary of Labor and Social Prevision
- Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Zoé Robledo Aburto, General Director of IMSS
- Representatives from key avocado industry organizations, including APEAM, UDECAM, SUCA, SUMAC, UEAPAC, and the Michoacán Agricultural Health Board
Objectives and Scope
The Labor Certification for Agroexportation aims to ensure that avocado exports are supported by dignified work, social security compliance, and adherence to labor laws. Initially applied to avocados, the mechanism will gradually expand to other agricultural export products, verifying that each shipment has the necessary formal labor affiliated with IMSS.
Key Statements
- Marath Bolaños López: The labor certification aims to make avocados recognized not only for quality and taste but also for their social responsibility throughout the production chain.
- Julio Berdegué Sacristán: Aguacate is one of five prioritized products in the Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice, with additional resources allocated to strengthen sanitary tasks facing new agricultural challenges.
- Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla: The labor certification offers an opportunity for avocados to have more competitiveness seals, ensuring international markets continue to trust Mexican products.
- What is the Labor Certification for Agroexportation? It’s a mechanism ensuring avocado exports are supported by dignified work, social security compliance, and adherence to labor laws.
- Who collaborated on this initiative? The Secretariats of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS), Agriculture and Rural Development (SAGARPA), and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) worked with the Michoacán State Government and avocado production sector.
- What are the initial and future scope of this certification? It initially covers avocados, expanding to other agricultural export products. The goal is complete coverage by the end of the six-year term.
- When will this certification be implemented? The certification will operate through the VELAGRO platform starting April 1, 2023.
Zoé Robledo Aburto: IMSS is enhancing medical infrastructure to ensure on-site medical services, promoting a distinct growth model for social security.
Implementation and Timeline
The certification will operate through the VELAGRO platform starting April 1, 2023. Packers must register shipments and request the certificate for each export operation. A six-month trial period will allow for a smooth transition without limiting exports, enabling corrections of potential inconsistencies. A permanent dialogue and monitoring table will support implementation and evaluate the mechanism’s performance.
Future Expansion
The initiative will begin with hass avocados as the first certified product, with other products like berries gradually incorporated before year-end. The goal is to have all agricultural export products certified with formal labor and adherence to labor rights by the end of the six-year term.
