Industry

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.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has approved the herbicide Rely® 280 (glufosinate-ammonium) for use in avocado groves in California. Rely® 280 is a post-emergence broad-spectrum herbicide for use against broadleaf and grassy weeds. Glufosinate-ammonium is an excellent alternative to glyphosate, especially for those weeds that have developed glyphosate resistance. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has compiled a Risk Management Document concerning the potential decision to permit the importation of avocados from Guatemala, a region known for the prevalence of the avocado seed weevil. California avocado growers are encouraged to submit comments or letters and submit them to the USDA.

The California Avocado Commission’s Board of Directors currently has a Producer Member seat available for District 2. The appointee will fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the unexpired term through October 31, 2024.

The Commission’s Board of Directors currently has a Handler Member and Handler Alternate Member seat available. Appointees will fill the vacant seats for the remainder of their unexpired terms: October 31, 2024 for the Member seat and October 31, 2025 for the Alternate Member.

San Diego area growers engaged or interested in agritourism are encouraged to attend the San Diego Region Agritourism Gathering on May 22 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Carlsbad, CA.  The event is designed to help attendees learn more about agritourism, network with peers and focus on collaborative program development.

On May 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the Final Rule for Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water. A high-level summary of changes is summarized in this article.

California avocado growers are highly encouraged to complete the annual grower crop survey, which plays an important role in helping the Commission assess the industry’s overall productivity and current trends in farming practices.

The Local Agency Formation Commission is conducting a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation 2.0 market analysis to help identify the economic challenges faced by San Diego County farmers.