Avocado growers have identified reasons for optimism in the current season, including favorable spring conditions and lower-than-anticipated production levels in Australia. Avocados Australia reported a 30 percent increase in production volumes for the 2023/2024 season, reaching nearly 151,000 tons. However, certain growers, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland, have encountered challenges such as low prices and high farm input costs, leading some to abandon their orchards due to lack of profitability.
Last season, adverse weather conditions in Aotearoa resulted in a surplus of lower-quality fruit on the domestic market, while increased local production in Australia contributed to a glut, reducing returns for growers. The export crop value in the 2020/2021 season reached nearly $168 million, a figure that has since decreased to $20m in 2023/2024, according to New Zealand Avocado. The vice president of the New Zealand Avocado Growers' Association, Anna St George, noted that New Zealand exported 1.3 million trays last year, with about half of the 6.8 million trays expected this season destined for international markets.
Growers have been busy, with 1.3 million trays picked in September alone, and 83 percent of the picking completed due to higher demand this season. Asian markets continue to grow, and production from competitor Peru has decreased. Ross Woods, who operates a 35-hectare avocado orchard in Maungakaramea southwest of Whangārei, shared that his team is mid-harvest, collecting about seven tonnes of avocado daily. Woods expressed optimism about this season's pricing, attributing it to shortages in Australia and noting that his fruit has been exported to Canada, Asia, and Australia.
Despite current cash-flow challenges, which have precluded new plantings this year, Woods emphasized the importance of maintaining the orchard and ensuring the general health of the crop. He looks forward to a break at the end of January, once the export season concludes, with plans for relaxation and further orchard maintenance in the following months.
Source: RNZ