Packed full of nutrition and offering many health benefits*, Australian avocados offer great value to consumers both here in Australia and in the industry’s overseas markets. In 2023/24 Australian avocado growers produced 150,913 tonnes of avocados and they supplied quality avocados all year round. Of this volume, Central Queensland growers produced 17%, 25,768 tonnes.** To support their growing efforts this year, a Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum is being held at the Multiplex Convention Centre in Bundaberg on Thursday 13 February.
All of Central Queensland’s avocado growers, their orchard staff and packers are invited to attend this event that will also include an orchard walk. Matt Kleyn, who is Avocados Australia’s Chair, the North Queensland Director and an avocado grower, will be attending this event and he is keen to meet with growers in the region. Matt will be joined by Avocados Australia’s two Central Queensland Directors, Eric Carney and Lucia Philip.
“This is a valuable event and I look forward to meeting with growers in the region to hear about any concerns or feedback they may have,” said Matt Kleyn.
The Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum is supported by Avocados Australia and is one of six regional forums that will be held around the country thanks to a project being delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Their ‘Avocado industry development and extension’ project (AV23010) is a Hort Innovation funded project, partly funded by avocado levies, that is responsible for delivering a range of events and resources to promote best management practices. The ultimate goal of the extension program is to enhance the Australian avocado industry’s profitability, preparedness and competitiveness.
A range of avocado experts will be speaking on the day and the technical theme for the forum is “Nutrition and fruit quality”. Places are limited so registration is essential.
The regional forum events are already funded by avocado levies so are free and have been developed in consultation with avocado growers by the Extension project’s regional leads. This ensures the content is relevant and specifically suited to the needs of growers in each region.
Central QLD is one of eight avocado growing regions operating in Australia. Hass and Shepard avocado varieties are mainly grown in this region and growers harvest their fruit from March to end of August.
The Central QLD Forum will provide a chance to give avocado growers and packers an update about the industry. Presentations will cover topics such as the Avocado industry extension project, an update on fruit quality, an overview on Carbohydrate management, Nitrogen use, and practices that enhance fruit quality.
Speakers presenting on the day include Bridie Carr (DPI), Renata Grunennvaldt (DPI), John Tyas (Avocados Australia CEO), John Agnew (DPI), Lisa Fyffe (Ripe Horticulture), Simon Newett, and Chris Searle (MacAvo Consulting).
Growers and speakers will also take part in Round Robin Sessions during the day. John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, will be presenting the industry update at the forum.
“Avocados Australia is doing all that it can to increase demand, events like these provide growers with the chance to fact find, network and source the best advice so our industry can make sure consumers have positive eating experiences so they buy more avocados,” said John Tyas.
Avocado industry members interested in attending the Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum should register online for free at https://www.trybooking.com/CXQZU
The Avocado industry development and extension project (AV23010) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
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Key Facts:
To support Central QLD avocado growing efforts this year, a Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum is being held at the Multiplex Convention Centre in Bundaberg on Thursday 13 February.
All CQ avocado growers, their orchard staff and packers are invited to attend this event that will also include an orchard walk. Matt Kleyn, who is Avocados Australia’s Chair, the North Queensland Director and an avocado grower, will be attending this event and he is keen to meet with growers in the region. Matt will be joined by Avocados Australia’s two Central Queensland Directors, Eric Carney and Lucia Philip.
About us:
About Avocados Australia – www.avocado.org.au
Avocados Australia (AAL) is the representative industry body for the Australian avocado industry. We provide a range of services to our members and the broader industry to foster growth and development. Avocados Australia is a not-for-profit member-based organisation and our members include avocado growers, associated businesses and industry people. Avocados Australia seeks to work with all parts of the chain, from production through to the consumer. By working together, we seek to continually improve the ability of growers to provide a healthy, profitable and safe product for all consumers.
Contact details:
For more information contact: Anna Petrou, Communications Manager, Avocados Australia Limited on (07) 3846 6566 or 0488 384 222 or co@avocado.org.au.
