What is the "Pro-Forest Avocado" (PFA) Certification?

The 'Pro-Forest Avocado' (PFA) Certification is an environmental standard created by the Government of the State of Michoacán, developed with the support of a technical and scientific committee composed of experts, academics, and institutions specialized in the environment and agricultural production.

This certification scheme was designed to ensure that avocado production is carried out in a sustainable, responsible manner and aligned with the conservation of forests and water resources.

The certification is managed by Guardian Forestal and authorized certification entities, ensuring verification and compliance with the established standards.

In fact, most avocado farmers in Michoacán are hardworking, responsible individuals who are aware of the environmental impact of their activities. Many of them have implemented conservation practices, efficient water use, and reforestation efforts in their communities, but until now, there was no clear way to differentiate them from those who have engaged in harmful practices.

The PFA Certification is the answer to this problem. It is a seal of trust and transparency that identifies producers who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to environmental conservation, ensuring that their orchards do not come from deforested lands or areas affected by intentional fires.

Through a rigorous and transparent evaluation mechanism, the PFA certification allows consumers, packing companies, and international markets to verify which producers are responsible and what actions they are taking to protect their environment.

Anyone can check online which orchards are certified, what criteria they meet, and how many hectares of forest they contribute to conservation. Additionally, it is possible to verify the status of these forests in real time using the Guardian Forestal platform.

Certification for Orchards

An avocado orchard is eligible for PFA certification if:

• The orchard does not include land that has been deforested since January 2018, land affected by a forest fire since January 2012, or land located within a legally protected area.
• The orchard owner contributes to the maintenance of local forests by participating in the 'Pro-Forest Avocado' Conservation Program.