Avocado Inspection Program
326 State Place, Escondido, CA 92029 • 760-743-4712
In 1972, the California avocado industry sponsored legislation requiring mandatory inspection and certification, establishing the Avocado Certification and Inspection Program. The goal is to protect the industry and consumer by providing uniform inspection to ensure that all avocados comply with minimum standards.
From 1972 to 1986, CDFA inspectors performed the avocado inspections. In 1986, the California Avocado Commission, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the CDFA, became the employer and paymaster of the inspectors – the Commission pays inspection personnel. The Avocado Inspection Committee is advisory to the Secretary on all matters pertaining to avocado inspection.
The assessment rate changes to reflect both the crop size and the revenue needed to meet the budget. Current assessment fee is $.25 cents per 100 pounds.
Avocados are inspected for the following: maturity; defects; size, count and weight; standard container and pack; and container markings. Each lot is tested for maturity only until a 'released date' for each size and variety is established. After the release date, maturity testing is no longer required.