GreenSheet | November 1, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the California Department of Food and Agriculture established an Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California. CAC staff immediately informed USDA of inconsistencies in the quarantine, which led USDA to remove Hass avocado from the host list.

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers' has compiled a new Farmer Funding Opportunities Database. Spanish translation of the database also is available.

The San Diego Food System Alliance is offering a free webinar for small-scale producers to discuss lender readiness and financial pro formas. The financial webinar is designed to help-small scale producers have a productive conversation with lenders to raise funds and/or apply for a loan.

The Avocado Café is hosting a new free webinar entitled, “Dealing with frost: basic strategies and advances in understanding conditions” on November 30. Learn more.

­­The California Small Agricultural Business Drought and Flood Relief Grant Program awards funds to small agricultural businesses that have experienced a decline in annual gross receipts or profits due to drought or flood conditions. Awards are disbursed up to $100,000.

By partnering with foodservice chains during the summer, the Commission encourages demand for the peak-season fruit and builds brand awareness and loyalty. Two of CAC’s restaurant chain partners showcased their use of locally-grown and ethically-sourced California avocados in-store, online and across their social media channels.