About Us

Avocado Administrative Committee

Florida Avocados

Established in 1954

The Avocado Administrative Committee (AAC) was established in 1954 with the USDA by avocado growers to regulate quality standards of domestically shipped Florida avocados. Located in Homestead FL, the AAC locally administers the Federal Marketing Order that was established pursuant to Federal Marketing Agreement and Order No. 915, as amended, regulating the handling of avocados and has authority over the avocados grown in Florida’s production area.

All growers and handlers of Florida Avocados are encouraged to seek membership and participate in the nomination process of the Avocado Administration Committee!

Marketing Order, Grades and Standards

The marketing order authorizes the AAC to regulate grade, size, maturity, container and pack standards for avocados grown in south Florida under USDA’s oversight. The order took effect in 1954 and was last amended under formal rulemaking on March 9, 1987. These authorities under the marketing order support the industry’s effort to thrive in a competitive marketplace. The Marketing Order is described under Title 7, Subtitle B, Chapter IX, and Part 915. Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to designate different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by producers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers.

Committee Structure

The AAC is administered locally by 10 members: 5 growers, 4 handlers, and 1 public member. Each member has one alternate. Membership is also allocated according to district, with District 1 (Dade County) represented by 4 growers and 3 handlers, and District 2 (all the production area except Dade County) by 1 grower and 1 handler. Committee members and alternates serve 1-year terms of office from April 1-March 31. Members may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. District 1 and District 2 producer and handler members are currently nominated by mail-in ballots.

Meet the Committee 2023-2024 Season

Medora Krome
Steve Hoveland (Alt)
Gerald Case
Margie Pikarsky (Alt)
Vacant
Omelio Rodriguez (Alt)
Carlos De La Torre
Carlos Ugalde

Vacant
Vacant (Alt)

Dr. Jonathan Crane
Dr. Daniel Carrillo (Alt)

William Brindle
Peter Leifermann (Alt)
Jorge Leon
Marela Jacques (Alt)
Manny Hevia
Diego Rodriguez (Alt)

Vacant
Vacant (Alt)

Quality Regulations

The marketing order authorizes grade, size, quality, and maturity regulations to maintain Florida avocado quality shipped to consumers. These requirements established also apply to imported avocados thru 8e requirements.

8e requirements specify that imported commodities must meet the same or comparable minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements, as those specified under this marketing order.

The marketing order authorizes production research, marketing research and development, and marketing promotion programs, including paid advertising. Projects in these areas are active.

The marketing order authorizes regulations on the markings or labeling, size, capacity, and weight of the containers used to ship avocados to market.