CARPINTERIA, Calif. — Avocados are taking over downtown Carpinteria this weekend as the California Avocado Festival celebrates its 40th year.
The annual festival brings together food, live music, vendors and local organizations — all centered around one of the region's signature crops.
But for local avocado growers, the celebration also highlights the challenges of keeping agriculture viable in California.
A long history of growing avocados
Local farmer Andy Sheaffer says avocado farming in the area dates back decades, with growers beginning to plan heavily for the crop in the 1960s because of the region's favorable climate.
Sheaffer's farm is now among California's organic and regenerative avocado operations.
“We're one of the first organic, regenerative avocado farms in California,” Sheaffer said.
He says California-grown avocados also offer consumers a closer connection to where their food comes from.
“When you buy California fruit you know, the chain of custody,” Sheaffer said. “You know that the farmer really cares about what they're growing.”
Sheaffer says California avocados also remain on the tree longer than fruit grown in some other areas, which he believes contributes to the quality of the crop.
Challenges facing California growers
Kathy Sheaffer, who farms avocados and lemons, says her family operation covers about 400 acres, including roughly 350 acres of mostly Hass avocados.
But farming the steep terrain comes with challenges.
“Our farm is on a steep hillside,” she said. “So there's physical challenges because it's so steep. There's challenges with water costs, there's weather, fires. There's like all of California's challenges.”
Water costs, weather and wildfire are among the issues farmers continue to navigate while producing food in California.
Festival brings agriculture and community together
The festival also serves as a fundraiser for local causes.
Ronaldo Mia, president of the local Lions Club, said proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs and the local high school.
And visitors can find plenty of creative ways to enjoy the festival's namesake fruit.
In addition to the traditional Hass avocado, the festival features varieties including MacArthur and Walter Hole. The Walter Hole avocado can even be eaten with its skin.
Local businesses are also showcasing their own California-inspired products.
Monique Serrato, owner of How Cali Girls Roll, said her brand combines California avocados with other things she enjoys, including California poppies and fishing with her children.
The festival is also bringing plenty of fun to downtown Carpinteria, including a competition to see who can hold a 10-pound bag of avocados the longest.
The California Avocado Festival continues through Sunday in downtown Carpinteria.
California Avocado Festival returns to Carpinteria for 40th year News Channel 3-12.
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