AGC’s November happenings
Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving filled with joy, thanks, and good food.
Upcoming Meeting
AGC’s Next Meeting Is December 4, 2025, 10 AM - 12 PM, at Pala Casino
Our guest speaker, Kim Hatfield, Assistant Director of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), will talk about “Going Organic.” Join us to learn what steps to take and ask your questions.
CCOF is a USDA-accredited nonprofit dedicated to advancing organic agriculture for a healthier world through certification, education, advocacy, and promotion.
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California Avocado Commission (CAC) 2025 election & Candidates
you can still submit your ballot until November 28:
help shape the future sustainability of our industry
Your Vote Counts
Due to an error, CAC recently sent new ballots on Nov. 5, and you must vote again. We appreciate all those who have voted. Please refer here for the latest voting details and eligibility. Voting remains open, and you may submit your new ballot until November 28th. Please contact April Aymami, at 949.341.1955 or aaymami@avocado.org if you’re eligible, and you did not receive a ballot.
Voting for your CAC Board representative is important for your interests and the industry's future. If you prefer producer board members who are dedicated growers without ties to other parts of the industry—such as those with interests in import packing houses or grove management businesses— then choose those candidates when you vote. Our industry faces critical challenges with sustainability. To achieve better government advocacy, stronger marketing, and meaningful commission reforms, it is our grower responsibility and honor to elect representatives who are ready to focus on these goals and adapt when necessary.
AGC recommends these dedicated grower CAC candidates:
District 1: Robert Jackson, incumbent board member; District 2: Tina Wolferd, incumbent alternate; District 3: John Berns, incumbent alternate.
Click here to review all CAC 2025 Candidates Information
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Avocado Growers Voices Amplified
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”
.This Chinese proverb cited by Eleanor Roosevelt, encourages small positive actions even when circumstances seem bleak.
Thank you to everyone who submitted comments to the USTR as part of their USMCA review. The AGC determined that presenting a unified industry position would strengthen our voices and minimize any potential for the USTR to dismiss or minimize our request. We reached out to CAC President, Ken Melban, to attend AGC’s Oct. 30th meeting and to send out a grower call to action – he agreed. Due to our coordinated outreach, we noticed that many avocado growers submitted comments to the USTR portal. In total, they received 1,507 comments from different agricultural stakeholders.
To see comments from Ken Melban, Daniel Coxe (AGC Chairman), and others, click Public Docket, enter "California," and select their names. We look forward to receiving updates from Ken, regarding his forthcoming activities in Washington, D.C. Additionally, we anticipate insights from the CAC Board concerning potential governmental measures that may help address issues related to rising input costs and competition from unconstrained low-cost imports, with the aim of enhancing both profitability and sustainability.
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important dates
MRCD Workshop – Plant Restoration and Management of Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB): December 11, 11:00 AM - 1:00pm, 138 S Brandon Rd, Fallbrook, CA, rsvp to agcoordinator@missionrcd.org, lunch included.
HAC/HAB Board Meetings: November 18–19, Hybrid (Virtual/In-person), Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, California
CAC Board Meeting: December 11, 8:00am - 12:00pm, Hybrid (In-person/Online), Pasadena (In-person), Zoom (Online)
AGC Board Elections: November 21, Nomination packages will be distributed to all AGC members in good standing. Submit completed nomination packages by December 21st.
Membership
Recruit - "Share with Your Friends and Neighbors"”
Help us reach our membership goal by becoming an AGC member and inviting growers, partners, and associates to join us.
You don't need to be a grower to join. Become an Associate member and pay what you can!
AGC Flyer: Please print and share with anyone interested in joining.
Helpful Grower Resources
Go to AGC’s website Resources page to find helpful links to Avocado Industry Reports and Data, University and Horticulture Sites, Gov Organizations and Funding, and other industry resources. You can also click the buttons below under the AGC Resources section.