Adin Hester, president and chief executive officer of the Olive Growers Council in Visalia, who cited some adverse weather conditions in the Valley during fruit set, was among those who spoke during the 6th Annual Central Valley Olive Day in Exeter. He and others cautioned growers not to “panic” and take on harvesting crews at inflated prices early, despite an expected labor shortage.

For more, see: Olive industry hurt by hand-harvesting costs