USDA Modifies Maturity Requirements for Avocados Grown in South Florida and Imports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the maturity requirements for the Beta avocado variety under the federal marketing order for avocados grown in South Florida.

This action updates the avocado maturity shipping schedule to allow certain sizes and weights of the Beta avocado variety to be shipped two weeks earlier than currently allowed. This action also makes a corresponding change to the avocado import maturity regulations under Section 8e. The Avocado Administrative Committee recommended this action to reflect earlier maturation of Beta variety avocados to ensure that consumers receive quality avocados.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2026 and becomes effective April 8, 2026.

More information about the marketing order is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Florida Avocados webpage.

Authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, marketing orders are industry-driven programs that help producers and handlers achieve marketing success by using their own funds to design and execute programs that they would not be able to do individually. AMS provides oversight to fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops marketing orders and agreements to help ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Provider and Lender.