California Avocado Growers Are Good Neighbors
California Avocado groves bring natural beauty to the communities that they are a part of and contribute in many ways.
Air Quality
Trees, vines and plants add oxygen to the environment and they help sequester carbon dioxide from the air. California Avocado trees add oxygen to the environment — they are literally a breath of fresh air for their neighbors. A one-acre avocado grove sequesters up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide each year*, meaning California Avocado groves help renew their communities’ air supply and keep it fresh. Orchard trees like avocados also lower air temperatures by evaporating water in their leaves.
* Source for calculations
Open Spaces
Open space generally includes land such as parks and natural areas that may be used for recreational purposes, wetlands and forests that supply wildlife habitat, and farms and forests that provide aesthetic benefits to nearby residents. Open space also limits urban density, which reduces pressure on city utilities, roads and other infrastructure. California Avocado groves located near urban developed areas help maintain green spaces in densely populated Southern and Central California.
Learn about California Avocado growers Mark and Linda Bruce.
Fire Suppression
California wildfires burn through seasonally dry native vegetation and can cause considerable property damage and loss of life. California Avocado groves, due to their well-irrigated soil and relatively moist tropical vegetation with lush green leaves, can serve as a natural fire break for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and can help firefighters slow or stop the rate of spread during wildfires. The average cost for constructing a firebreak is around $200 to $2,000 per acre with higher costs if erosion control structures must be included. Existing California Avocado groves located near communities can provide a cost savings benefit in firebreak establishment and management. When the horrific Thomas Fire occurred in 2017-18, there was tremendous loss, both personal and commercial, but California Avocado groves helped serve as a hedge in some areas against the spread of the fire.
Learn about California Avocado grower Catherine Pinkerton Keeling.
California Avocado Growers’ Community Contributions
Community involvement is part of the healthy California lifestyle for many avocado growers. They participate in local avocado festivals, volunteer with youth programs like Future Farmers of America, join in community development and arts programs and much more.
California Avocado growers Bradley and Emily Miles are good examples.
