Although most of California's avocado harvest is complete, a small amount of fruit is still being processed at packing plants—approximately 1.3 million pounds last week—all remnants of last year's harvest. This fruit comes exclusively from the northern growing regions, where the cooler coastal climate has allowed for slower ripening and a longer hanging period.

As of November 1, the 2026 California avocado season is officially underway, although the first selections of the new crop are still a few weeks away. The quality of the remaining fruit has been strong, demonstrating the durability and storage integrity for which California is known.

Workplace pressures throughout the supply chain

Rising labor costs continue to weigh heavily across the entire supply chain, from orchard operations to packing lines, cold storage, and transportation. Higher wages and compliance requirements are driving up operating expenses, and packing plants in particular are feeling the pressure as their efficiency and production capacity are put to the test.

The current cost structure for California fruit is a key consideration as we prepare for the upcoming season. Close coordination among growers, packers, and marketers to manage costs and maintain value will be essential to protecting margins and ensuring sustainability.

Fertilizers and garden nutrition

As orchards prepare for the new season, fertilizer management is critical. After a demanding harvest year, many trees are depleted of vital nutrients, especially nitrogen, potassium, and calcium—all crucial for next year's fruit production and size.

Applying balanced fertilizers now helps restore nutrient reserves, encourage healthy bloom development, and improve overall productivity. With rain expected in the coming weeks, scheduling applications before the rains will allow nutrients to penetrate the root zone more effectively, giving the trees the best start for 2026.

Growers who use soil analysis and precision nutrient programs during this period will see increased vigor, stronger fruit set, and more uniform size when the new crop begins.

Water and resource planning

Forecasts for a wet winter are encouraging, but growers remain aware that local water districts, such as Fox Canyon, continue to enforce strict pumping and reporting rules. Planning water use, improving irrigation efficiency, and investing in solar or automated systems can help offset both regulatory and cost pressures.

The off-season is the ideal time to perform maintenance on systems and upgrade equipment, steps that will pay dividends when demand increases again.

Rehabilitation and sustainability

Across the state, growers are taking advantage of this transition window to rehabilitate older orchards with high-density plantings and modern rootstocks that improve yield and water efficiency. These changes not only enhance long-term profitability but also strengthen California's leadership in sustainable production—a key advantage as consumers and retailers continue to prefer locally and responsibly produced fruit.

Perspectives

Although the current volume is limited to remaining fruit from the north, the arrival of even a small amount into the system marks the beginning of a new phase. The 2026 harvest is already showing signs of strong potential, with early flowering and healthy fruit set in most regions.

As the industry faces higher costs and regulatory challenges, the focus remains on efficiency, quality, and collaboration, ensuring that California continues to set the standard for freshness and reliability in the avocado category.

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