Statewide survey of Hawaii’s avocado industry underway

The Hawaii Farmers Union United and the Hawaii Avocado Association are conducting a survey as part of their Hawaii Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2020.

The purpose of the survey is to estimate the current supply of avocados grown commercially in Hawaii, including the types of cultivars (varieties) and growing elevations on each island. The information will be used to develop strategies to bolster Hawaii’s avocado industry.

Results will be shared publicly, but individual farmers and farm names will be kept anonymous. Take the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020. A hard copy of the survey can be requested by emailing info@growfruithawaii.com.

Hawaii avocado production was estimated at 17.4 million pounds for the 2018-19 season, up 12% from the previous season, according to data compiled in January by the Department of Agriculture. The value of the crop was estimated at nearly $1.6 million.

Hawaii is the third largest producer of avocado in the United States, according to the department. More than 200 varieties of avocado are grown across the state, including the Sharwil variety, which is typically grown for commercial production and exported out of state.