Green Gold
When global demand for avocados transforms Mexico’s rural landscapes, two neighboring towns face opposite sides of the same crisis: one fighting against criminal land grabs and deforestation, the other attempting to reclaim an industry that has become as dangerous as it is profitable—revealing the true human and environmental cost of the world’s favorite superfood.
In the heart of Mexico, local communities face a dire challenge: the tightening grip of organized crime over the booming avocado industry threatens their environment and livelihoods. Madero, a village on the frontline, sees its lush forests surrounded by rapidly expanding farms. As these operations encroach on Madero’s land, illegally deforesting and stealing water reserves, a brave group of land defenders—María, Memo, and Julio—fight back, risking their lives to secure their community’s sustainable future against armed patrols who will stop at nothing to profiteer from the ‘Green Gold’ rush. Amidst this turmoil, Luis, a major producer in the avocado industry, faces the same brutal threats but stands apart with his rare commitment to sustainable farming. While most producers chase profit, Luis fights to change the industry from within. Together but apart, they battle against a market mentality that values profit over nature.