Australian avocado growers produced 150,913 tons of avocados in the 2023–24 season, supplying fruit year-round to both domestic and export markets. Of this total, South Queensland growers contributed 5,612 tons, accounting for 4 percent of the national production.
To support development within the region, a South Queensland Avocado Grower Regional Forum will take place at the Highfields Cultural Centre (Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields) on Wednesday, 26 March. The event is open to avocado growers, orchard staff, and packers from across the region.
Representatives from Avocados Australia, including Chair Matt Kleyn and South Queensland Director Chip Saint, will attend the forum. Kleyn described the event as an opportunity to meet local growers and hear their concerns and feedback regarding industry developments.
The forum is part of a broader extension initiative under the 'Avocado Industry Development and Extension' project (AV23010), which is supported by Hort Innovation and co-funded by avocado levies and contributions from various state and federal government agencies. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is delivering the forum in South Queensland as one of six regional events planned across Australia this year.
According to Bridie Carr, Senior Extension Horticulturist at DPI Queensland, the forum's technical content has been developed in consultation with local growers to reflect their priorities. Shanara Veivers, the regional extension lead for South Queensland, coordinated this input.
The forum will focus on pest and disease management within avocado production. Presentations will cover practical disease control strategies, updates on spotting bug and citrus blossom bug issues, developments in Varroa mite management, and a new pest and disease research initiative. The event will also include updates on the national avocado industry extension project.
Speakers will include representatives from the DPI, Hort Health, and Avocados Australia, along with technical specialists. Growers and experts will also participate in roundtable sessions during the event to discuss current challenges and share insights.
South Queensland is one of eight major avocado-growing regions in Australia. The region primarily cultivates the Hass variety, with harvesting typically taking place from May through to the end of November.
The extension project is funded by Hort Innovation using the avocado research and development levy, with additional contributions from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and the Australian Government.
For more information:
Anna Petrou
Avocados Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 488 384 222
Email: co@avocado.org.au
www.avocado.org.au