Growing California Avocados

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.

On May 14 at 12:30 p.m., Paloma Dadlani — a graduate student under Dr. Mark Hoddle who has been spearheading avocado lace bug research funded by the California Avocado Commission — will deliver her master’s thesis defense seminar. Interested California avocado growers can view the thesis defense online or attend in person at the UC Riverside Entomology Building.

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.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department is hosting a Thelma Hansen Symposium entitled, “Trees to the Rescue: Solutions for Climate Change.” The three-day webinar will take place May 14 – 16 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Produce Safety Program has launched the first phase of its PSP data repository website (or Farm Data Repository) that allows growers to view their own digital farm inspection records and reports.

There is the potential for agricultural producers to receive storm-related aid via the Emergency Conservation Program. To help the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency get a better picture of the extent of damage caused by winter 2024 storms, California avocado growers are encouraged to complete the following storm damage surveys (as applicable).

The California Avocado Society, in partnership with the California Avocado Commission and UC Cooperative Extension, is hosting a grower seminar on April 11 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. that will provide a comprehensive overview of California avocado grove fertilization.

The California Avocado Commission will host its 2024 Annual Meetings over a series of three days — April 15 – April 17 to share the latest updates with industry members and solicit their feedback. CAC encourages members of the agricultural community to attend the sessions.