The California avocado industry is comprised of dedicated farmers, who take pride in growing and harvesting premium California Avocados. It is a dynamic industry, shaped by a multitude of ever-changing factors, including water, legislation, pests and diseases, crop-and-market statistics, regulations and more. The California Avocado Commission is dedicated to advocating on behalf of California avocado growers to help ensure that the best interests of growers are represented in the diverse array of industry issues.
Industry Advocacy News
Application Available for 2023 On-farm Food Safety Expenses Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program provides specialty crop producers with financial assistance for certain on-farm food safety program expenses. The 2023 application will become available on February 1, 2023.
Produce Safety Training Available in San Diego County
Members of the California avocado industry in need of obtaining produce safety training required by the federal Food Safety Modernization act can obtain low-cost training courtesy of the Food Safety Training Partnership. The fee for the produce safety training sessions is $35 and includes course materials and a certificate.
Labor Law Seminar on Preparing for AB 2183 “Card Check”
AB 2183, the new agricultural employee unionization card check legislation, goes into effect on January 1, 2023. A new labor law seminar “How to Prepare for AB 2183 “Card Check,” will be held December 21 to assist industry members.
Ventura County Water Crisis and Drought Forum
The upcoming Ventura County Water Crisis and California Drought Forum will feature local water experts who will discuss the threats of the extreme drought and potential regional aridization conditions in the county and state. Learn more.
CDFA Hosting Farm Bill Listening Sessions
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is hosting several in-person and virtual listening sessions to gather input from agricultural stakeholders concerning the 2023 Farm Bill. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input concerning California’s agricultural priorities as they pertain to the Farm Bill.
Assistance Available for On-farm Food Safety Expenses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program will provide specialty crop producers with financial assistance for on-farm food safety program expenses incurred in 2022 or 2023. The 2022 application period is June 27, 2022 through January 31, 2023.
