In Ventura County, northeast of Camarillo, the Mountain fire has severely impacted avocado orchards, including that of Sergio Acevedo. Following the blaze and subsequent strong winds, a vast number of Hass avocados were either destroyed or rendered inedible due to internal dryness, despite their unblemished exterior. Acevedo's orchard, spanning two acres, saw over half of its avocados dislodged, with an estimated 100 out of 300 trees damaged or destroyed. This event is part of a larger devastation affecting over 140 avocado farms within the fire's perimeter.
Ventura County, recognized as the state's leading avocado producer, has experienced significant agricultural damage due to the fire, which consumed 4,856 hectares of land, heavily affecting avocado crops among others. The majority of avocado farms in the region are operated by small-scale producers, further exacerbating the impact on local agriculture. Currently, 1,660 hectares of avocados have been affected, which is a substantial portion of the county's production area. Early estimates suggest losses amounting to $4.3 million, with expectations for this figure to rise as assessments continue.
The fire's immediate effect on the avocado market remains uncertain, as the majority of the U.S. supply is imported from Mexico, and Ventura County's harvest season extends from winter into summer. However, the loss of infrastructure, including Acevedo's irrigation system, and the destruction of homes and other structures highlight the broader implications of such wildfires on the community and its agricultural base. Acevedo, among others, faces the challenge of rebuilding and replanting, with a focus on recovery and future harvests despite the setbacks.
Source: Los Angeles Times