Agriculture Secretary Tours California Avocado Grove

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue traveled to Southern California this week to visit avocado growers and the California Avocado Commission (CAC).

During his stop, Perdue toured an avocado grove at the Rancho Guejito Avocado Farm in Escondido, Calif., which was conducted by avocado grower Al Stehly. CAC Chairman John Lamb and President Tom Bellamore accompanied Perdue during his visit and discussed the California avocado industry's modernization efforts some of the sector's more productive growth techniques, such as high-density plantings, tree height management and improved water efficiency.

Lamb said the meeting and farm tour was fruitful for both sides. “We had a very productive meeting with the secretary," who expressed interest in helping with labor, water and other issues facing California growers, he said.

“We expressed to Secretary Perdue the significant challenges growers are having with limited labor availability and let him know that the situation is getting worse with the aging of existing workers and enforcement concerns,” said Bellamore, adding that California avocado harvest crews are well-compensated, averaging $18 per hour or a greater piece rate. But he also informed the secretary that labor shortages will likely create a challenge to growers and the industry at large. 

"With agriculture labor availability approaching crisis levels, the industry needs a flexible guest worker program that allows the existing workforce to remain and one that provides access to new workers,” Bellamore said.

Water availability, quality and pricing remain significant issues the avocado sector and for California avocado farmers. The commission's representatives also emphasized the importance of increased statewide water storage capacity and are pushing for the easing of Endangered Species Act restrictions to increase water delivery to farms.