Avocado Grower Shuts Water to 700 Trees

Rising water, fertilizer and labor costs have led a California orchard owner to cut irrigation for most of his avocado trees.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Organic Food

Dry irrigation line and loose drip pipe along the edge of a dusty avocado orchard under low golden afternoon light, with the rows of trees fading into haze. — Avocado grower Todd Schwarz shut off water to about 700 of his 10-acre orchard's trees, citing costs for water, fertilizer, and labor that have outpaced avocado prices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Todd Schwarz shut off water to 700 avocado trees at his 10-acre Avocado Dreams orchard, announcing the decision in a Nextdoor post. He said rising production costs have made continuing the operation financially unsustainable.

Why it matters

Schwarz's decision illustrates how escalating costs for water, fertilizer and labor can squeeze small California avocado growers whose returns have not kept pace. The shutoff leaves about 250 trees receiving water, raising questions about whether a smaller operation can remain viable.

Water costs have risen 40% since the family bought the 10-acre orchard in 2020, and fertilizer expenses have doubled. Schwarz says the shutoff effectively shuts down 70% of the orchard, leaving about 250 trees watered.

The players

Todd Schwarz

Todd Schwarz is the owner of Avocado Dreams and a restaurateur whose businesses once employed more than 100 people.

The details

Schwarz announced the decision on Nextdoor and said costs for natural pest control, labor and harvesting have more than doubled. He said prices growers receive for avocados have failed to keep pace with these expenses.

Schwarz's businesses employed more than 100 people at the end of 2017.
The family purchased the Avocado Dreams orchard in 2020, when water costs began rising.
Schwarz announced the shutoff of 700 trees on November 13, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The orchard's cutback reflects a broader squeeze on California avocado growers as water and input costs climb faster than grower prices. Schwarz's choice to idle most of his trees suggests smaller operations may retreat before larger ones do.

For California shoppers, the cutback may signal tighter avocado supply or higher prices if growers reduce production. Anyone following local food costs may watch whether other small orchards follow a similar path.

The takeaway

Rising input costs can make smaller specialty crops unprofitable even when demand is steady. Shoppers who buy from local growers may find that supply depends on whether operations like this one remain financially viable.