Organic Groves

Organic refers not to the avocado itself, but to how the avocado is produced. Organic avocado production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes the fertility of the soil. The organic avocado farmer's primary objective is to build healthy soil in order to produce healthy trees which will ultimately produce healthy delicious organic avocados! Soil is the foundation of the food chain in organic farming. This is why proper organic fertilization, mulching, and manuring are so important. Organic mulch holds moisture in the soil providing for more cost effective irrigation. Since water is the biggest expense for the avocado grower, water efficiency should always be a top priority. Mulch additionally improves the fertility of the soil and reduces weed population.

Organic farming begins with good healthy soil that consists of organic matter, micro organisms, nutrients, and necessary trace minerals. This rich healthy soil provides nourishment for the trees and for the avocados produced which we eat. Many gourmet chefs prefer organic avocados and other organic foods in their recipes because they simply taste better! Organic foods are more flavorful since they are naturally complete with vitamins, minerals, and the nutrients our bodies crave which are lacking in commercially grown fruit. Avocados are rich in the important antioxidant glutathione, which eliminate free radicals in the body. Since free radicals promote aging and chronic diseases such a cancer, the antioxidant power of the avocado should definitely be recognized, especially the power of the organic avocado! As more and more people come to appreciate the value and quality of organic foods available in the market place today, the demand for organic food and organic avocados continues to grow, not just in the US but worldwide.

Since awareness of the great taste and benefits of organic foods is becoming more prevalent, the organic avocado market continues to grow. Awareness of the benefits of organic farming is therefore also increasing. Ecologists are realizing the importance of feeding an over populated world with depleted soils and natural resources and are moving towards organic farming methods. Bio-dynamic is one method of organic farming which refers to working with the energies which create and maintain life. The Bio-dynamic farming method creates healthy soil by combining the major growth nutrients with trace minerals, living organisms and enzymes. This transmits energized reactions to improve the health of the soil and produce abundant healthy organic food. Bio-dynamic farming methods were developed in 1922 and are currently being utilized throughout the U.S. and various countries throughout the world. Bio-dynamic farming techniques maximize organic fruit production. Additional benefits include efficient irrigation with maximum water and nutrient absorption, easy injection via the grove irrigation system, enhanced humus formation, stimulated root and leaf growth, increased resistance to disease and pestilence, and improved soil drainage and aeration.

The avocado market is driven by supply and demand. Although the U.S. is importing more avocados from Chile and Mexico, in today's market, organic avocados yield a much higher price per pound than non-organic fruit. Organic avocados are marketed through various outlets that currently pay a premium for quality organic fruit! Your organic grove manager can refer you to these outlets and can guide you through the organic conversion process which takes approximately three years.

So why aren't all groves organic? There are different theories on how to grow avocados. Additionally, many grove management companies do not know how to farm organically, or how to do it economically, or how to transition from non-organic to organic…And of course change is difficult for creatures of habit. It is actually quite simple. To become an organic avocado grower, first develop an understanding and appreciation of soil ecology and plant growth. If the biological activity in the soil is high, chemical and physical properties will correspondingly function at their optimum level. The vital importance of the soil's biological activity is the vehicle and driving force of a highly productive healthy organic avocado grove. And most importantly, hire a professional organic grove management company with an experienced organic grove manager!

Organic Grove Management Inc. is one of such experienced grove management companies. Organic Grove Management Inc. has been farming avocados organically in North San Diego County for the past 12 years. I am a principal in this corporation which utilizes bio-dynamic farming techniques to maximize organic fruit production. Organic Grove Management Inc. provides honest, professional and experienced organic farming expertise. Ron Gates is the grove manager providing individual personalized grove care, consultation and management. Organic Grove Management utilizes organic farming methods by applying bio-dynamic soil food to secure healthy soil, which in turn produces healthy organic avocados. Bio-dynamic soil food is applied to the soil of the avocado grove directly through the irrigation system for maximum absorption. Bio-dynamic soil food combines a liquid organic compost tea and a manure tea enhanced with other important nutrients and ingredients. Additional benefits of injecting the liquid soil food into the grove irrigation system include maximum nutrient absorption, ease of application, enhanced humus formation, stimulated root and leaf growth, increased resistance to disease and pestilence, improved soil drainage and aeration, and increased crop production. Soil testing and leaf analysis are methods used to balance and monitor the nutritional needs of the organic avocado trees. The results from utilizing bio-dynamic soil food is simple…Healthy soil produces healthy avocado trees… which produce healthy organic avocados!

To keep the leaves and fruit of the avocado trees healthy, pests are treated with various techniques including bio-predators and spraying of organic oils. If you purchase a non-organic grove, Organic Grove Management Inc. can simplify and expertly convert your commercial grove to a certified organic grove. Organic Grove Management Inc. can be contacted at (760) 749-4082.