Avocado growers in California expect to harvest a much bigger crop in 2020, according to a commodity group’s survey.

More abundant production throughout the year should propel total harvests to 369 million pounds, projects the California Avocado Commission in a preseason crop estimate.

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That would be a signifcant jump from the roughly 215 million pounds harvested in 2019, the California Farm Bureau Federation notes.

The projections are based on a handler survey as well as a 4-year average, according to the commission.

As with strawberries, avocados are a year-round fruit in California, with the peak season coming in late spring and early summer. Farms anticipate more abundance throughout this year but particularly in April through July, according to the survey.

Hot temperatures during crop development reduced last year’s production, the Farm Bureau recalls.

Source: Western Farm Press