Industry

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 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 is accepting applications from December 10, 2024 through January 8, 2025. An informative webinar is being hosted December 10.

The California Avocado Commission currently has three CAC Board of Directors vacancies — handler alternate member, District 1 alternate producer and District 5 alternate producer. All three positions will fill the vacant seats for the remainder of the term through October 31, 2025.

The California Avocado Commission Board of Directors is seeking candidates for its public member position. The term for this position will expire October 31, 2026.

To assist California avocado growers impacted by the Mountain Fire, the California Avocado Commission has gathered tinformation concerning how to report damage, informative webinars and available funding.

The California Avocado Commission was informed on November 7, 2024 by United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service the Final Rule for the  Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Hass Avocado From Guatemala Into the United States and its Associated Risk Management Document will be published in the Federal Register November 8, 2024.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture released the final vote tally of the recently concluded 2024 CAC General Election.

California avocado growers are highly encouraged to submit their ballots for the California Avocado Commission 2024 General Election to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Ballots are due October 25.