A program aimed at softening the blow of costly irrigation system upgrades may bring relief for local avocado growers who are struggling to survive unrelenting surges in their water bills.

“It’s been very, very challenging to address these water issues,” Tom Bellamore, president of California Avocado Commission, told a group of growers at a May 17 workshop held in Fallbrook. “This may provide some ray of hope.” The gathering attracted about 100 growers, grove managers, association officials and other participants to the forum that focused on a cost-sharing program launched by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.