Commission takes action on request to call for a referendum on HAB

In January 2024, the Commission received a letter from Avocado Growers of California (AGC) requesting that the Commission contact U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regarding the call for a referendum on the Hass Avocado Board. The request was considered by the Commission at its February 22, 2024 Board meeting.

The Oxnard Board meeting was well attended with about 50 growers present in person and an additional 60 joining via Zoom, with all five Commission districts represented. Public comment was extended to allow all growers the opportunity to speak, either in person or via Zoom.

The AGC letter is included here, along with a letter from Sal Dominguez on behalf of growers opposing a HAB referendum.

After public comments and a lengthy Board deliberation two motions were made, with the following actions taken:

MOTION 24-2-22-4: The CAC Board of Directors moves to write a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture requesting a referendum be held on the Hass Avocado Board within the next six months.

• MOTION FAILED: Two yays, nine nays, one abstention.

MOTION 24-2-22-5:    Instruct Chairman Cole to write a letter on behalf of the Board of Directors of the California Avocado Commission to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture stating the following:

• “In response to a request from some California Avocado growers, the board of directors of the California Avocado Commission has reviewed and considered the merits of requesting the Secretary to conduct a referendum on the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) pursuant to §7805(d)(2) of the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Act.
• The Board of Directors of the California Avocado Commission recognizes HAB as a necessary and excellent program and affirms its support for the continuation of the HAB and recommends against conducting a referendum at this time.”
• MOTION PASSED: Nine yays, one nay, one abstention.

The Commission’s letter to Secretary Vilsack may be seen here.