Avocado Supply at Risk Without Native Habitat, Study Finds 

A new study warns that the future of avocado farming could be at risk if native vegetation around orchards isn’t preserved. Conducted in Australia, the research found that insect pollinators—crucial for avocado crops—depend on nearby native plants for food, especially when crops aren’t in bloom. Using advanced DNA technology, scientists discovered that insects near natural habitats forage from more than twice as many plant species as those in pasture-only areas. The study highlights that protecting biodiversity is key to supporting global food security, especially with rising demand by 2050.