Maureen Lamb: the new generation behind the historic Camlam avocado fields in California

The heiress to one of California's most iconic family estates embraces the legacy with a modern vision, but without losing the emotional connection to the land and its history.

Camlam Fields, with over 150 years of avocado-growing tradition in Ventura County, is undergoing a generational transition. Maureen Cottingham Lamb, daughter of Robert Lamb, has returned to the family farm after two decades away to lead the business with a blend of respect for its heritage and fresh ideas. With a background in Agricultural Business, Maureen has learned extensively about avocado cultivation from her family and foreman Mario Hernandez, who has worked there for nearly 50 years.

Since her return, she has implemented technological tools such as additional weather stations and spreadsheets to optimize production, something unheard of in previous generations. Camlam cultivates over 1,000 acres of Lamb Hass, Hass, and GEM avocados, as well as lemons, and although this year's projected production won't reach last year's record, it remains solid. Maureen emphasizes that beyond the numbers, the farm represents her home and a network of human relationships with workers who have watched her grow.

During the first tour open since the pandemic, the Lamb family proudly showcased the manual labor involved in harvesting, caring for the trees, and the essential role of pollination. Maureen, visibly moved, shared her commitment to the land and to the values of community and daily effort. “The best fertilizer in the orchard is the owner’s footprint,” said her uncle John, reaffirming the philosophy that Maureen continues. With humility and energy, she faces the challenge of leading one of the most enduring legacies in the U.S. avocado industry.

Source: portalfruticola.com