Honduras authorizes onion imports and revives avocado plan to safeguard food supply

The Honduran government, through the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) and its National Agricultural Development Program (Pronagro), announced that onion imports will be permitted starting in July. The measure aims to guarantee domestic market supply and prevent price spikes after local production in the eastern region fell short. Imports will be allowed only when national output is insufficient, while the agency will continue to prioritize purchases from local growers, strengthen traceability, and provide technical assistance to improve productivity.

In parallel, SAG revived the National Avocado Plan to boost domestic avocado production and cut the country’s heavy reliance on imports, which account for about 95% of consumption (over 40 million lb and $12‑15 million annually). The plan includes distribution of production kits, technical support, and the commissioning of a packing plant in Comayagua built with Taiwanese aid, intended to open Asian and European export markets. Approximately 1,200 Honduran producers stand to benefit, with expectations of higher employment, income, and foreign‑exchange earnings.