UC study estimates avocado start-up and production costs in southern California

摘要

Fertilization, pest control and pruning costs (due to hillsides planting) are also higher in Riverside and San Diego than Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Many of the avocado orchards in southern California are old and several are being consideredfor replanting. In Ventura County growers are also considering avocado production as an alternative to Valencia oranges and lemons. We have been receiving inquiries from several sources including potential investors, financial institutions and government agencies regarding the economic feasibility of growing avocados in southern California. We know that acreage was declining over the years due to increasing production costs caused by urbanization that increased the costs of water and land.