Quarter 4 Report for Santa Barbara County - Subtropical Crops Advisor Ben Faber completed harvesting on a GEM avocado high density trial in Santa Paula (Ventura County). High-density planting can increase the profitability of avocado production due to decreased land and water requirements. The trial will assess the yield outcomes of the high-density plantings. Some preliminary findings suggest changes to harvesting methods (i.e. using two hands to snap the fruit off vs. clippers) could increase harvesting efficiency. Yield data from this trial will be published and shared extensively with growers in Santa Barbara County in late 2026
