CALIFORNIA AVOCADO GROWERS
Will Carleton
Carpinteria (Santa Barbara County)
GROWER HIGHLIGHTS
- Started growing California Avocados in 1950
- From a multigenerational family of avocado growers
- Grows organic avocados
VARIETIES GROWN
Will’s Story
Will Carleton’s neighbors breathe easy, and with good reason. Will’s flourishing California Avocado groves, a testament to his eco-friendly farming practices, are an asset to the community, and could offer some protection to that nearby population in the event of a wildfire.
Will worked in the electronics industry for 35 years and is a volunteer coach at a local school. He comes from a family that has been farming in California for five generations and growing avocados for three. His adult son and daughter also are California Avocado growers. Will believes that what we do to this earth will be important to our children as well as our grandchildren, so he is careful to utilize practices that contribute to water conservation, soil health and erosion control.
According to Will, the lighter the touch, the longer we can enjoy what nature has provided. “Avocados have survived a long time before pesticides and chemical fertilizers,” he adds; “and they will continue to do very well without them.”
WILL’S FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY CALIFORNIA AVOCADOS
Will loves to eat California Avocados around the clock: in omelets and egg dishes, in guacamole, sandwiches and salads. He also enjoys California Avocados in sushi, Mexican dishes such as tacos and, of course, plain.