San Juan Parangaricutiro, Mexico — in this town found in Michoacan state, the heartland of world production of the fruit which locals call “green gold,” small-scale avocado growers guard this treasure of theirs as they arm themselves with AR-15 rifles and take turns manning a vigilante checkpoint. They guard their “green gold” against thieves and drug cartel extortionists.
What’s with their avocados that make it so important? What makes this crop worth fighting for?
Find out the answers over at AP News.
(Image Credit: AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)