With California effectively out of the harvest window, this week marks the true start of the off-season. Fruit movement from our state was negligible, and the market continues to be driven almost entirely by Mexico, with slight input from Colombia and dwindling overseas inventory from Peru. But “no harvest” doesn’t mean “no news.” This is the period when the real work begins for next season: in the orchards, with cultural practices, and with strategic planning.

1. Focus on the garden: The most important work happens now

Even without fruit to harvest, growers have a significant influence on next season's production. Key reminders for this period:

– Nutrition and post-harvest fertilizer applications: This is one of the best times to rebuild nutrient reserves. The trees have used up a full season's energy, and introducing balanced fertilizers, especially nitrogen and micronutrients, can help establish stronger flowering and fruit set in spring.

– Irrigation and soil moisture management after recent rains: Ventura County and the wider coastal regions have benefited from recent rainfall, which helps to:

– Recharge the soils

– Reduce the immediate demand for irrigation

– Support the development of shoots entering winter

– Wind events: The annual risk begins: Early winter Santa Ana winds can stress trees and knock off young shoots. Keep wind protection considerations in mind.

– Prune the vulnerable branches

– Maintain adequate humidity before the event

– Inspect for stress after winds to avoid long-term impacts

2. Market Summary (Non-Californian Fruit)

– Mexico: Currently supplies over 90% of the US market. Stocks remain strong and are keeping prices down, especially for 60s/70s calibers.

– Retail behavior: Promotions are largely tied to Mexican volume. With California out of the market, buyers are focusing on price points and consistency, not origin, which is typical for this time of year.

– Outlook: Similar price behavior is expected during the holidays unless weather or quality events change availability.

3. Looking ahead: California's next harvest is already underway

Although we're not harvesting, California isn't idle. The first shipments from the Northern Region are still arriving, mostly leftover fruit from last season, but the official 2026 harvest is structurally underway. Key points:

– The flowering potential looks promising in many orchards.

– Soil moisture conditions are better today than they were at this time last year.

– Cultural work will now determine performance more than anything else.

4. Tips for producers: planning and strategy

Some reminders for producers during this downtime:

Talk to your PCA and fertilizer representatives now. Prices and availability will tighten in the first quarter, don't wait.

– Evaluate labor and pruning plans early. Equipment will be in high demand after the new year, especially if blooms are strong.

– Review your water district's allocations, especially in Ventura County. Planning now prevents surprises later.

– This is the best time to walk through the orchard. Tree-by-tree assessments now detect problems that affect fruit set in spring.

5. Final reflections

Even with an empty harvest record, California isn't "done"—we're simply shifting gears into the part of the season that determines next year's success. Rest, repair, feed, water, evaluate, and plan. That's the theme of the week.

Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce International, LLC
gary@freskaproduce.com