Research Library

In this study, we provide up to date costs of establishment and production and profitability; benchmark indicators for evaluating the viability and sustainability of organic avocado production. This study is based on assumptions of organic avocado orchard establishment and production practices that are considered typical in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties and is based on 10 acres orchard. Data regarding production practices, inputs and prices was collected from growers, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisor, agricultural institutions, and supply and equipment dealers.

In this study, we provide up to date costs of establishment and production and profitability; benchmark indicators for evaluating the viability and sustainability of avocado production. This study is based on assumptions of orchard establishment and production practices that are considered typical in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties and is based on 20 acres orchard. Data regarding production practices, inputs and prices was collected from growers, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisor, agricultural institutions, and supply and equipment dealers.

In this study, we provide up to date costs of establishment and production and profitability; benchmark indicators for evaluating the viability and sustainability of organic avocado production. This study is based on assumptions of organic avocado orchard establishment and production practices that are considered typical in San Diego and Riverside counties and is based on 10 acres orchard. Data regarding production practices, inputs and prices was collected from growers, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisor, agricultural institutions, and supply and equipment dealers.

In this study, we provide up to date costs of establishment and production and profitability; benchmark indicators for evaluating the viability and sustainability of avocado production. This study is based on assumptions of orchard establishment and production practices that are considered typical in San Diego and Riverside counties and is based on a 20 acres orchard. Data regarding production practices, inputs and prices was collected from growers, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisor, agricultural institutions, and supply and equipment dealers.

These practices are recommended for a monitoring-based IPM program that enhances the use of IPM practices to reduce the risks of pesticides on the environment and human health. This year-round IPM program covers the major pests of avocados in California. Details on carrying out each practice, example monitoring forms, and information on additional pests can be found in the Avocado Pest Management Guidelines.

In 2011, it became clear to Dr. Gary S. Bender that California avocado growers in the county were facing increasing pressure due to rising water prices, periodic drought and California’s dwindling share of water from the California River. For the average California avocado grower in San Diego County producing 5,000 lbs/ac and applying 4 ac ft/year, the set up was fiscally unsustainable unless a substantial increase in yield per acre occurred.

Over the period 23-25 January 2011 residential areas in Tijuana Mexico were surveyed for the presence of avocado trees, and when possible trees were inspected for arthropods associated with trees. Google Earth was used to pre-select six separate residential areas that showed high levels of greenery (i.e., parks, and well maintained residential gardens). In these six areas, 267 residential street blocks were surveyed. From these blocks, a total of 634 properties were inspected from the road. The percentage of street blocks with avocados in pre-selected sections of Tijuana ranged from 23% to 45% of blocks having at least one tree. A total of 80 avocado trees were found from these surveys. Of surveyed properties, 10% or 64 properties had at least one avocado tree. The number of avocados per property ranged from 1 to 5 trees. The GPS coordinates were recorded for each tree and when possible foliage was inspected for avocado pests.

Uniconazole-P is used in ‘Hass’ avocado production to stop vegetative shoot growth at the apex of indeterminate floral shoots to increase fruit set and yield and after pruning to maintain tree size, especially in high-density plantings. Uniconazole-P has the potential to reduce pruning costs, but also to reduce fruit size and increase fruit drop. Depending on crop load, reducing vegetative shoot growth in spring or summer could mitigate or initiate alternate bearing.

There has been a growing interest of organic avocado production following consumer perceived preference for organic crops. Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties are among the top organic avocado producing counties in California. These counties make up 37% of the organic avocado industry in California. The establishment and production costs and profitability analyses have been the fundamental tool that growers and investors use for investment analyses and decisions, conducting business transactions, and risk management strategies.

There has been a growing interest of organic avocado production following consumer perceived preference for organic crops. San Diego and Riverside counties are among the top organic producing counties in California. These counties make up 62% of the organic avocado industry in California. The establishment and production costs and profitability analyses have been the fundamental tool that growers and investors use for investment analyses and decisions, conducting business transactions, and risk management strategies.