The establishment of the avocado orchards could be called a family affair. One of the pioneering kibbutzniks, Eli Massad, studied the cultivation of avocados and fought to persuade the kibbutz that this rather exotic fruit could by a viable crop despite the heavy soil of Kfar Masaryk. When the kibbutz agreed to Eli's idea, it was his son, Ofer, who began its implementation in 1977. Eli and his co-worker Moshe Cohen, transferred their experience with apples and pears to the sub-tropical variety of avocado chosen for cultivation. In 1997, Ofer moved to take over the overall management of the fields and the avocado team is now led by Ami Singer, along with Amit Coren and Uri Frankel. Many kibbutzniks have spent time in the avocados and the branch was always popular with volunteers. To be outside, in the fields picking fruit, is probably the archetypal image of the kibbutz. Three areas of avocados have been planted at different times - in 1977,1982 and 1985 with a total acreage of 80. This is quite small by Western Galilee standards although it is planned to add another 12 acres during 2004. The orchards are irrigated with rain/flood water collected during the winter, which means that Israel's precious drinking water supplies are not used. Soon, re-cycled water will also be used. The orchards are noteworthy for a number of reasons and are visited by specialists from both Israel and abroad. For one thing the trees are grown in rows eight metres apart (wider that usual) and the ground around the trees is raised. This means that the trees receive more daylight and the ground doesn't compact around the base of the tree, which provides better conditions for the root structure. The number of varieties grown is also exceptional - a total of 16. The avocado team is continually experimenting with different varieties and are still trying to find the one best suited to the soil and climate. The orchard has become something of a test bed for scientific experimentation. Trees are grafted onto one another and the scientific fraternity appreciate our collaboration and trust our professionalism and competence. The average yield of the avocados is average by Western Galilee standards but a better than average return is achieved because of the quality of the fruit. The modified trees and efficient harvesting play their part in this. Until 1985, yields averaged under 400 tons, between 1985 and 2001 they increased to 400-500 tons. By 2004, 500 tons had been passed and the yield is now heading to 600 tons. Accordingly, the financial situation has improved. The future for Kfar Masaryk's avocados looks good.