SOMIS, Calif. — For avocado grower Andreas Tompros, the resilience of agriculture shines through after facing devastation from last year’s wildfire. Despite losing his home and a significant portion of his orchard, the 47-year-old is optimistic about his ability to revive his farm.
Farmers in California face a myriad of challenges, from soaring labor costs to stringent water regulations and stiff competition from abroad. Surprisingly, many avocado producers credit their success partly to Mexican imports. When the U.S. lifted its ban on Mexican avocados in 1997, concerns arose among California growers about potential market displacement. However, that influx of fruit has led to increased demand, allowing for a year-round supply that has changed consumer perception of avocados from specialty items to staples in diets across the country.
Over the last two decades, avocado consumption has surged in the United States. Federal data indicates that per capita availability of the fruit tripled, rising to over 8 pounds since 2000. This growth is reflected in the popularity of dishes like avocado toast and guacamole, now common not just in urban centers but also in cafes throughout the Midwest and South.
On a sunlit hillside in Somis, Tompros is working to replant nearly 300 avocado trees. “I believe my orchard will come back stronger than before,” he said, recalling his transition from a software executive to a full-time farmer five years ago. His optimism is bolstered by the rising consumer interest in healthy fats, according to Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board.
Established by a 2000 U.S. law, the board collects a small fee for every pound of avocados sold, using the funds for marketing and nutritional research. This initiative has significantly increased avocado presence in grocery stores and restaurants. Richard Sexton, an agricultural economics expert, stated that this marketing approach has been remarkably effective, contributing to the avocado industry’s unique growth compared to other fruits.
Escobedo noted that around 60% of households in the U.S. buy avocados, with a core group driving the majority of consumption. This indicates ample room for market expansion, particularly in regions like the Northeast, where the fruit is not as prevalent.
Despite uncertainties created by potential trade tariffs from the previous administration, avocado imports from Mexico have largely remained unaffected. California growers advocate for the continuation of these imports, emphasizing the need for thorough inspections to protect against pests. “If you’re farming in California, avocados offer one of the best opportunities right now,” said Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission.
California is home to approximately 10% of the avocados consumed in the U.S., largely produced between April and September. The fruit’s year-round availability is supplemented by steady Mexican imports, meeting growing consumer demand. In Ventura County, many farmers have pivoted to avocado cultivation after lemon prices plunged due to foreign competition. As new avocado trees mature, production is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
While wildfires remain a persistent threat in the region, interest in avocado farming continues to climb, especially among those transitioning from lemon cultivation. Rob Brokaw, owner of a nursery that has supplied avocado trees for seven decades, reported an overwhelming demand. “We’re essentially sold out for this year, and our stock for 2026 is also nearly gone,” Brokaw noted.
Tompros considered diversifying into more fire-resistant crops post-wildfire but ultimately chose to replant avocado trees, motivated by the growing demand for dishes like guacamole. He is taking precautions against potential fires by ensuring that his orchard is not planted too close to his future home to prevent dried leaves from igniting. Although it may take years for his newly planted trees to bear fruit, Tompros remains hopeful, eyeing a future where he can supply avocados to packinghouses or include them in seasonal gift shipments alongside citrus and passionfruit.
