Main content

US economy and Mexican avocados

Alan Johnston introduces insight from Lesley Curwen on the American middle class families struggling to survive the economic downturn and Julian Miglierini tells the story of Mexico's avocado crisis.

Alan Johnston introduces personal stories and insight from correspondents around the world.

In this edition Lesley Curwen meets an American family struggling with America's economic woes and Julian Miglierini explains how and why the rocketing prices for avocados in Mexico became such an important issue in the country.

Employed but still struggling

It's emerged that last month, no new jobs were created in the United States.

It's reckoned that there are now 14 million unemployed Americans.

And then there are countless people who may still have jobs, but who've been forced to cope with severe money worries.

Lesley Curwen has been spending time with one hard-working family that's struggled to find its way in the financial gloom.

Mexico's avocado crisis

The soil and the climate of central Mexico seem to be just perfect for growing avocado trees.

They've been bearing fruit there since the dawn of time or at least, long enough for Mexicans to develop a huge appetite for them.
They're a big part of the national cuisine.

And that made it all the more serious when, just recently as Julian Miglierini explains, there was a sudden avocado supply crisis in Mexico City.

Available now

10 minutes

Last on

Sat 10 Sep 2011 03:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 9 Sep 2011 07:50GMT
  • Fri 9 Sep 2011 10:50GMT
  • Fri 9 Sep 2011 15:50GMT
  • Fri 9 Sep 2011 18:50GMT
  • Sat 10 Sep 2011 03:50GMT