San Diego County, once one of the world's leading avocado-producing regions, is seeing its acreage steadily decline. According to the University of California, planted area has fallen from about 26,000 acres in 2008 to just 13,000 acres by 2024, as growers confront mounting pressures from urban expansion, water costs, labor shortages, and global competition.
Jennifer and Kurt Bantle, who run Bantle Farm in Fallbrook, say the economics of avocado farming have become increasingly difficult. Water remains the biggest challenge: an average avocado tree requires 18–34 gallons per day, depending on the season, while irrigation costs continue to rise. "I've already had to cut down 180 trees because I can't afford the water anymore," said Jennifer Bantle.
Labor availability is also tightening. Larger farms rely on the H2A visa program to secure seasonal workers, but smaller operations often struggle to qualify. "Without H2A workers, many groves simply go unpicked," said Serafin Michel, farm manager at ACA Groves in Valley Center.
At the same time, increasing volumes of Mexican and Peruvian avocados entering the U.S. market are putting downward pressure on prices, squeezing margins further.
Growers warn that unless water, labor, and competitive challenges are addressed, more groves in San Diego will be forced out of production.
Source: www.kpbs.org
