Growing News
2023-24 Avocado Release Dates Available
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Avocado Inspection Program has announced the avocado release dates for the 2023-24 season. Learn more.
South Fire in Ventura County
On Saturday morning, December 9, 2023, a wildfire broke out in Ventura County near the top of the ridgeline of South Mountain, located between Somis and Santa Paula. Learn more.
SWEEP Workshops Available
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program provides grants to help agricultural operations implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water. The online SWEEP grant applications were made available on December 5 and grant application workshops are available to assist applicants.
Small Farm Tech Hub Helps Growers Utilize Technology for Their Operation
The Community Alliance with Family Farms’ Small Farm Tech Hub provides free resources to California-based small-scale farmers to assist them with utilizing technologies to expand their operation’s opportunities. The hub includes free tech consultations for small-scale operators.
Organic Transition Pilot Program Receives $6.1 Million in Grant Funding
The Organic Transition Pilot provides support to farmers who are preparing to transition to organic production and certification. This competitive grant program is designed as a block grant that awards funding to expert organizations that can provide financial, technical, translation, application, project follow-up and business planning assistance to producers transitioning to organic.
Temperature Inversion Data Can Help Growers Determine Frost Responses
A new article by Mark Battany, Water Management and Biometeorology Advisor UCCE for San Luis Obispo, notes measuring temperature inversions can help California avocado growers determine if and when to use wind machines for frost events.
