Growing California Avocados

CAC is calling on growers to sign a petition urging the USDA to fully restore its inspection of avocados from Mexico. Since USDA unilaterally downgraded its inspection obligations by shifting orchard inspections to Mexico, detections of stem and seed weevils in packing facilities increased with APHIS acknowledging “the number of recent interceptions is notable given the infrequency of such interceptions over the history of the program.”

The Agricultural Pass Program provides members of agricultural operations with access to restricted areas during or following a natural disaster to care for livestock, maintain irrigation access, access property/facilities that are part of the operation and transport/deliver necessary equipment for irrigation systems.

The California Avocado Commission’s pre-season crop estimate survey has been completed. The data have been compiled into the CAC Pre-season Crop Estimate and Harvest Projections report, which is now available online. The report is based on survey responses submitted in late December/early January from eight AMRIC handlers.

The 2024 Crop Report Questionnaire for San Diego County will be mailed to growers in early January. California avocado growers in this region are encouraged to complete the form as it provides important data for the San Diego Crop Statistics and Annual Report. Crop data collected include crops grown, yield and gross value.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program has extended the application deadline through Friday, January 10, 2025. The program also has increased available funding to $2.65 billion. In addition, the maximum payment per farmer has been increased from $125,000 to $900,000.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program is accepting applications through January 8, 2025. The program which has $2 billion in funds available, is intended to help specialty crop producers manage higher marketing costs.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is hosting a free webinar entitled “Sustaining Avocado Production in the Face of the Lethal Laurel Wilt” on December 19 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST). This project also seeks to survey California avocado growers in Ventura, San Diego and Riverside/San Bernardino Counties.

To assist California avocado growers in ensuring their operation meets the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department is offering a two-day online Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course.