California Avocado Society: 105 Years Young

One hundred and five years ago, a group of avocado growers got together and formed what is now the California Avocado Society. At that time, there was essentially no market for the strange and delicious fruit, and these farmers understood that cooperation would be necessary to improve “the culture, production and marketing of the Ahuacate.”

Fast forward 105 years, and the California Avocado Society continues to carry out the mission of its forward-thinking forefathers. The organization is now the oldest continually operating grower’s association in California.

The Society is proud of its history and excited about its future. New challenges emerge constantly for California avocado growers, and the Society regularly adapts its communications strategies to equip it members around the world with cutting edge research and current market analysis.

California Avocado Society logo

Members receive a digital weekly newsletter that relies on in-depth market data provided by longtime partners the Hass Avocado Board and the California Avocado Commission. This information provided to the grower community in collaboration with these organizations, helps producers more efficiently run their avocado business. The Society’s new Avocado Quarterly is published digitally four times a year and offers a deeper dive into the grower experience, international avocado production, and field and laboratory research, including nutritional research about avocados performed by HAB.

Traditionally, the Society hosts three in-person seminars that cover important topics facing growers. This year, COVID-19 forced an instant modernization of those meetings. As a result, larger numbers of growers, and growers from avocado producing countries around the world, were able to tune in and participate in webinars on topics ranging from weed management to new cultivars. Similarly, the Society is planning a virtual Oct. 21 Annual Meeting where pre-recorded field segments are followed by live Q&As.

Dedicated to improving avocado-growing practices and production, the Society seeks to connect growers from around the world to promote sharing of successful strategies. In 2017, the Society led an educational (and fun) trip to Mexico that allowed growers from both countries to learn new tools and discuss common challenges. In coming years, the Society will lead similar trips to Africa, Brazil and New Zealand/Australia.

California Avocado Society screenshots

Overseen by an all-volunteer board of directors comprised of avocado growers, managers and industry representatives, the California Avocado Society survives and thrives thanks to its membership.Learn more about the California Avocado Society

Other Happenings

Nutrition 2023 Spotlight: Avocado Nutrition Center’s Trailblazing Presence

September 11, 2023

Avocado Nutrition Center shines at Nutrition 2023, leading avocado research and fostering collaboration among experts. Read how ANC’s impact is shaping nutrition.

Harvesting Excellence: The Role of Governance in HAB’s Journey to Avocado Prominence

August 28, 2023

Good governance is the compass that steers the Hass Avocado Board towards its true north, ensuring that every action aligns with its mission, and every decision is a testament to its dedication to growing demand for avocados and strengthening our industry.

HAB Webinar: Avocado World Market Projection Up to 2030, Version 2.0

August 14, 2023

Tune into an on-demand webinar to hear actionable insights and the top 3 strategies recommended to address the global avocado demand gap projected by 2030.