Growing California Avocados

The University of California Cooperative Extension of San Diego County offers a Farm Labor Management Training Program designed to help agricultural employers better understand and mitigate labor related risks. As part of this program, two ag labor management seminars are being hosted in August.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expanded funding assistance to both small- and medium-sized agricultural operations seeking to renew or obtain a food safety certification through the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program. In addition, the program will include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the CCOF Foundation provides grants, mentorship and technical assistance to growers making the transition to organic production. The $10,000 grants are awarded annually for three years to assist producers as they wait the three years before achieving organic certification. 

The University of California Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department is hosting an Avocado Irrigation Workshops in Escondido, California. Registration is available online.

Beginning with the 2025 crop year, organic California avocado growers will have expanded crop insurance options. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency will now allow Enterprise Units for California avocados and will allow non-contiguous parcels of land that qualify for optional units to also qualify for Enterprise Units.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Small Farms, Food Safety Technical Assistance Programs is offering a two-day virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training course from July 9 – 10. The course meets the requirements set by the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule mandating at least one member of an agricultural operation attend a PSA course.

The California Avocado Society, in partnership with the California Avocado Commission and the UC Cooperative Extension, is hosting a comprehensive Avocado Field Seminar on June 25 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The University of California Cooperative is hosting an Intro to Integrated Pest Management for Farmers webinar on June 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Experts in the field will discuss how to manage pests with practices that reduce reliance on pesticides.

On May 22, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Avocado Inspection Program announced the Reed avocado release dates for the 2024/2025 season.