So there’s been a bit of a scandal on QI recently where Sandi Toksvig say’s Avocado’s aren’t vegan amongst a variety of other fruit and vegetables, if  you’ve not seen it then follow the link to youtube here to watch for yourself.

Sandi goes on to say that Migratory Bee Keeping is used in the growth of Avocado’s etc, so what is Migratory Bee Keeping.. well, it’s where the honey bee is transported for different cropping seasons in agriculture, for example over 1 million hives are transported to California each year just for the pollination of Almonds, therefore meaning that bee’s are exploited in the growth of a number of fruit and veg, but is Sandi right? does that mean Vegan’s can no longer eat Avocado’s on toast, well the short answer is.. No, she is not right.

The definition of veganism by The Vegan Society, established in 1944 says..

‘Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose’

and this falls under ‘as fas is possible and practicable’ cutting avocado’s, almonds, sweet potatoes, kiwis, butternut squash, melon, broccoli, cauliflowers, carrots, cherries, onions, strawberries.. the list goes on and on and on. The point being, bee’s do this as part of nature and we are unable to control the sheer amount of food produced or to stop bee’s being transported in the growth of fruit and vegetables. It is out of our control and is one of those things that is part of being a vegan in a none vegan world, just like medication.
Can we do anything to help? the best thing to honestly do is not over purchase the fruit and veg by not wasting any and buying locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, perhaps get your thumbs green yourself and try growing some of your own fruit and vegetables but the most important thing is to stay safe in the knowledge that you are doing the best you can and you are still vegan for eating avocados, if any none vegan tries to tell you otherwise, ask them to take a look at their own exploitation of animals before pointing at vegans.

Peace and Love.. x