California agriculture is seeing developments across several major commodities this week, from strong almond exports and an expanding citrus quarantine to concerns surrounding avocado production in Mexico.
Here are five stories to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.
Almond Market Looks Strong Heading Into 2027
The California almond industry is beginning the new crop year with strong global demand and a tighter supply outlook, according to a recent market update from Blue Diamond Growers.
August almond shipments totaled 190 million pounds, with exports accounting for 143.2 million pounds. That represents a 31% increase in exports compared with last year.
India was the standout market, receiving 44.3 million pounds of California almonds in August, up approximately 170% from 16.4 million pounds during the same month last year. Blue Diamond attributed the increase in part to stronger replenishment ahead of India’s festival season and unusually low shipments during August 2025.
Domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% year over year.
On the production side, the 2026 harvest began approximately two weeks earlier than last year. Nonpareil and Independence varieties are largely harvested, with pollinizer varieties following behind.
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Early receipts are also pointing toward lower yields for Nonpareil and Independence compared with 2025. Combined with tighter supplies and continued export demand, Blue Diamond says current fundamentals are supporting a stable-to-firm market outlook.
HLB Quarantine Expands in Riverside and San Diego Counties
California is expanding another quarantine boundary for Huanglongbing, or HLB, as efforts continue to limit the spread of the deadly citrus disease.
Effective Sept. 11, the California Department of Food and Agriculture expanded the HLB quarantine in the Murrieta area of Riverside County and into San Diego County. The expansion includes grids 484, 499 and 510.
CDFA also expanded Asian Citrus Psyllid Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 in those areas to reflect the new HLB quarantine boundary.
HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, poses a significant threat to citrus production. The Asian citrus psyllid can spread the bacterium associated with the disease from infected citrus to healthy plants.
The quarantine includes regulations governing the movement of certain citrus plants, fruit and other regulated materials in an effort to reduce the risk of further spread.
California Avocado Commission Responds to Report on Mexico’s Avocado Region
A Los Angeles Times report detailing violence and intimidation in a major avocado-producing region of Mexico is drawing attention from the California avocado industry.
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The report focuses on families in San Ángel Zurumucapio, Michoacán, where avocado production has provided economic opportunities but growers and residents have also faced extortion, kidnappings and violence.
The California Avocado Commission cited the report while renewing its call for limits on Mexican avocado imports under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The commission argues that import limits would help protect U.S. avocado growers, the domestic industry and the food supply.
The proposal represents the California Avocado Commission’s position on trade policy as it continues advocating for domestic avocado producers.
Colin O’Neil Joins Organic Trade Association Leadership
The Organic Trade Association has hired Colin O’Neil as senior vice president to lead the organization’s public affairs efforts.
O’Neil will direct legislative and regulatory work, advocacy and stakeholder engagement for the trade association, which represents organic farmers and businesses throughout North America.
His responsibilities will include initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to organic adoption, strengthening confidence in the USDA Organic seal and expanding opportunities for organic farmers and businesses.
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The Organic Trade Association says the organic sector is now valued at approximately $76 billion.
O’Neil will also oversee the association’s political action committee.
Sun World International Celebrates 50 Years
Sun World International is celebrating five decades in the fresh produce industry.
The company marked its 50th anniversary during its 2026 Symposium and Field Days. Founded in 1976 by Howard Marguleas, Carl Maggio and Domenick Bianco, Sun World began as a California produce marketing company.
Over the following five decades, the company expanded into fruit genetics and licensing, with its work including the commercialization of seedless watermelon, seedless table grapes and lemons.
Sun World also recognized Board Chairman David Marguleas for 40 years of leadership and contributions to the company.
As part of the recognition, Sun World established the David Marguleas Endowed Research Fund in support of UC Davis Viticulture & Enology and dedicated the David Marguleas Tasting Room at the Sun World Center for Innovation.
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From strong export demand for California almonds to new challenges and developments affecting citrus, avocados, organics and fresh produce, This Week in Ag brings together five stories shaping the industry each week.
For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.
Joseph Malcolm is an Emmy award winning videographer and editor. He is currently studying at Fresno State University and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism with an emphasis in broadcast and digital journalism. When he’s not working with agriculture or studying at school, he is spending time with his family.