Welcome back to physical meetings of the AV17005 Avocado Industry Development & Extension project’s Regional Meetings in 2021.

This will be a COVID-19 compliant and safe event. You MUST RSVP to attend the event. If you are feeling unwell on the day it is YOUR social responsibility to stay at home.

Date: Wednesday March 24
Time: 8:30am to 3pm (morning tea & lunch provided)
Main topic: Avocado Nutrition
Agenda: Click Here
Location: Crows Nest Community & RSL Centre – 28-30 William St, Crows Nest QLD 4355

Orchard walk: Daryl and Sally Boardman

RSVP: Attendance is strictly by RSVP only. By Friday March 19 to Amanda on admin2@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566 to reserve your spot. Please let Amanda know of any dietary requirements. Also, a coffee van will be onsite for the event, cash only. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be $5.

Full contact details are required upon RSVP for COVID-19 planning – full name, email address, home address and contact number.

More information:
Avocados Australia Industry Development Manager Liz Singh, 0499 854 111 or idm@avocado.org.au (Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm)
DAF: Bridie Carr, bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au or 07 5381 1327

This event is part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Avocados Australia office will be closed from Monday, 21 December to Friday 1, December.

We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

 

The AV16007 project team is holding a mixed in person/virtual update on their work with the use of phosphite treatments for Phytophthora. The session also includes an update on six spotted mite and future Phytophthora management.

Developing a better understanding of the pathogens that impact the avocado industry, their pathogenicity, tolerance to phosphite, the effect of the microbial community upon the pathogens, the best assessment tests to determine the amount of disease in avocado plants, and the development of effective management tools will enhance economic returns to the industry, reduce the threats of invasive pathogens, and make the industry more environmentally sustainable.

The overall objective of this Hort Innovation funded project is to develop robust, rapid and cost-effective ways to manage Phytophthora root rot (PRR) for the Australian avocado industry.

Workshop details

Date: Tuesday, 1 December

Time: WA – 9am, NT – 10.30am, QLD – 11am, SA – 11:30am, NSW/VIC/TAS – noon

Physical location: Manjimup Horticultural Research Facility (this will be a COVIDsafe event)

Virtual location: a webinar link will be provided, in advance, to everyone who RSVPs

RSVP: by Friday, 27 November, to Declan McCauley on Declan.McCauley@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Agenda

Phytophthora and phosphite (phosphonate) work in avocado, Giles Hardy, Murdoch University (45 minutes)

• Surveys of orchards across Australia for Phytophthora species with an emphasis on cinnamomi
• Screening cinnamomi isolates in vitro for tolerance to phosphite
• In planta screening of isolates for tolerance to phosphite and implications with respect to variations between isolates in their pathogenicity and phosphite tolerance, and long-term phosphite use
• Determination of the minimum concentrations of phosphite required in roots to protect them from infection and colonisation by cinnamomi
• Other Phytophthora and Phytopythium species and their pathogenicity to avocado

Microbial profiling of soils with selected amendments shown to suppress Phytophthora cinnamomi in avocado, Treena Burgess, Murdoch University (30 minutes)

Approaches to eradication of Phytophthora from a site, Bill Dunstan, Murdoch University (30 minutes)

Six spotted mite, Alison Mathews, DPIRD (20 minutes)

Suggested ways forward to manage Phytophthora root rot in avocado for the future, Treena Burgess, Murdoch University (10-15 minutes)

Open discussion

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The Improving avocado orchard productivity through disease management (AV16007) project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

 

Exploring soil microbiology in avocado production

Dr. Neil Wilson from Metagen Australia will be joining us to explore what soil microbiology is, what function soil microbiology plays in the avocado rootzone and how we can support soil microbiology in avocado orchards to maximise production and fruit quality.

Neil is a microbial ecologist with more than 15 years research experience. He has worked in a range of fields including medical, environmental, and agricultural microbiology. After many years working as a university-based researcher, he took on the role of Director of Research at Metagen with the aim of working more closely with farmers and developing new products and services for the sustainable agriculture sector.

Neil is passionate about sharing the latest developments in the field of agricultural microbial ecology with the people most able to benefit from this knowledge, farmers. He engages directly with farmers on a regular basis, speaking frequently at soil health meetings and field days.

Microbes underpin the health of all animals and plants, and recent technological advances have allowed scientists to study the interactions between microbes and multicellular organisms at previously unimaginable levels of detail.

In plants, interactions with microbes are key players in a range of factors including susceptibility to diseases and pests, yield potential, environmental stress resistance, and plant physiology (eg, flowering time). Understanding how to favourably manipulate and manage these interactions is critical for improving soil and in turn plant health.

This presentation will highlight developments in the field of soil and plant microbial ecology over the past decade and highlight the ways in which these discoveries are likely to change agricultural land management practices, with a particular emphasis on avocado orchards.

The Avogrow webinar series is presented by the Avocado Industry Development and Extension team (AV17005). The webinar series will replace the Regional Forums until further notice in response to COVID-19.

Date: Wednesday, November 25
Time: QLD – 1pm, SA – 1:30pm, NSW & VIC – 2pm, WA – 11am.
Topic: Exploring soil microbiology in avocado production
Agenda: Click here

Location: to be delivered by Zoom. Instructions on how to join and participate will be distributed to attendees. Need some tips on how to join a Zoom meeting? Click here!

RSVP: by Friday November 20 to Amanda on admin2@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566 to reserve your spot.

For those who RSVP, we will be sending out instructions on how to join and participate in the webinar directly to you, in advance of the event. We will make a recording available in the BPR afterwards.

More information:
Avocados Australia Industry Development Manager Liz Singh, 0499 854 111 or idm@avocado.org.au (Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm)
DAF: Bridie Carr, bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au or 07 5381 1327

This event is part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Notice is hereby given to the Members of Avocados Australia Limited that the 17th Annual General Meeting of Avocados Australia Limited will be held by Zoom Teleconference, on Wednesday, 4 November 2020, from:

• 1:15pm to 2:15pm AEST (Queensland)
• 12:45pm to 1:45pm ACST (Northern Territory)
• 2:15pm-3:15pm AEDT (NSW, Victoria, ACT and Tasmania)
• 1:45pm-2:45pm ACDT (South Australia)
• 11:15am-12:15pm AWST (Western Australia).

Registrations will be required for Zoom details and papers to be sent to eligible members. Members can join the Zoom meeting either online or via telephone. Please register your intention to attend this year’s AGM by emailing Jayne Weedon at admin@avocado.org.au by COB 30 October 2020.  All Members who register their intention to attend this year’s AGM will receive additional information about how to join the meeting.

Business of the Meeting:

1. Minutes of the 16th AGM
   To consider and approve the minutes of the 16th AGM held on 13th November 2019.
2. Chairman and CEO’s Report
   To receive the Chairman and CEO’s Report for 2019-2020
3. Election Results 2020
   Advise the results for the 2020 election.
4. Financial Statements
   Presentation and consideration of the Financial Report and Directors’ Report of Avocados Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020.
5. Auditors
   Appointment of auditors for the 2020-2021 financial year.
6. Other Business
   Consideration of any other business for which proper notice has been given.

If you are unable to attend the AGM, a member entitled to attend and vote, is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in their stead. Proxy forms will be provided directly upon request, to request a proxy form please contact Jayne Weedon on 1300 303 971 or admin@avocado.org.au.

Avocado nutrition under Californian conditions

Ben Faber from the University of California Cooperative Extension will be joining us to share his experience with nutrient management for avocado orchards in California.

Ben has been a Farm Advisor in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties since 1989, covering issues associated with production of subtropical crops. These topics include soil and plant nutrition, pests and diseases, management of crops during heat waves, soil and water improvements and overall crop productivity. His emphasis is on subtropical tree crops, such as citrus, avocado and cherimoya and Ben’s goal is to contribute to profitable agriculture  systems that optimise people and natural resources.

The Avogrow webinar series is presented by the Avocado Industry Development and Extension team (AV17005). The webinar series will replace the Regional Forums until further notice in response to COVID-19.

Date: Wednesday, 28 October
Time: QLD – 10am, SA – 10:30am, NSW & VIC – 11am, WA – 8am.
Topic: Avocado Nutrition in the California Condition
Agenda: Click here

Location: to be delivered by Zoom. Instructions on how to join and participate will be distributed to attendees. Need some tips on how to join a Zoom meeting? Click here!

RSVP: by Friday October 23 to Amanda on admin2@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566 to reserve your spot.

For those who RSVP, we will be sending out instructions on how to join and participate in the webinar directly to you, in advance of the event. We will make a recording available in the BPR afterwards.

More information:
Avocados Australia Industry Development Manager Liz Singh, 0499 854 111 or idm@avocado.org.au (Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm)
DAF: Bridie Carr, bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au or 07 5381 1327

This event is part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

The online North Queensland Avocado Regional Forum will be held via webinar on Wednesday, 29 July, at 9am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

The main topics are irrigation, nutrition and PGRs, presented by international researcher and speaker, Dr Francisco Mena, from GAMA Ltda, Chile.

Dr Francisco Mena Volker
Francisco Mena Volker and his business partner Francisco Gardiazabal (ex-Professor of Horticulture at the Catholic University in Valparaiso) are based near Santiago in Chile and run a consultancy company called GAMA Ltda which also conducts research. They consult internationally, regularly present results of their research at the World Avocado Congresses and are considered to be leaders in avocado orchard technology. In 2015, after the World Avocado Congress in Peru, Francisco hosted a group of Australian avocado growers on a tour of orchards in Chile. He has travelled to Australia several times and visited North Queensland for the World Avocado Congress in 2011.

Date: Wednesday, 29 July
Time: 7am AWST, 8.30am ACST, 9am AEST (This is the best time to suit both parties given the large time difference between Australia and Chile, where it will be 7pm when we start the webinar.)
Main topics: Irrigation, nutrition and PGRs
Agenda: Click here (pdf)
Location: to be delivered by Zoom. Instructions on how to join and participate will be distributed to attendees. Need some tips on how to join a Zoom meeting? Click here!
RSVP: by Friday, 24 July to Amanda on admin2@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566 to reserve your spot.

All industry members are welcome to attend any event but for our online events, preference will be given to those in the region first, should we have to limit numbers.

For those who RSVP, we will be sending out instructions on how to join and participate in the webinar directly to you, in advance of the event. We will make a recording available in the BPR afterwards.

More information:
Avocados Australia Industry Development Manager Liz Singh, 0499 854 111 or idm@avocado.org.au (Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm)
DAF: Bridie Carr, bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au or 07 5381 1327

This event is part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

 

Are you interested in exporting fresh Hass avocados to Japan in the 2020/21 season?

Avocados Australia, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are hosting a special registration workshop on Wednesday, 24 June.

Avocados for the Japanese market must be sourced from officially recognised areas free from Queensland fruit fly:

• Western Australia
• the Riverland region in South Australia, and
• Tasmania.

You can read more about the requirements from DAWE here.

There are two options for attending this workshop. You can attend in person at Manjimup (RSVPs essential to ensure physical distancing requirements can be adhered to) or online via Zoom.

In this 2.5 hour session, you will hear an industry overview from Avocados Australia, an overview of WA avocado exports and markets from DPIRD, and an overview of the Japan registration process and how to prepare for an audit from DAWE. Click here for the full agenda.

Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2020
Time: 9am (AWST), 10.30am (ACST), 11am (AEST)
Agenda: Click here for the full agenda.
Location: If you are attending in person, this event is being held at the Community Wellness and Respite Centre, 1A Edwards Street, Manjimup, WA. You can also attend via Zoom, and a link will be provided when you RSVP.
Instructions on how to join and participate will be distributed to attendees. Need some tips on how to join a Zoom meeting? Click here!
RSVP: by Friday, 19 June to Amanda on admin2@avocado.org.au or call 07 3846 6566 to reserve your spot. Please let Amanda know if you intend to attend in person, or via Zoom. RSVPs are essential for both, as organisers need definite numbers for the meeting venue, and only those who RSVP will be sent the link for the online option.

If you are attending in person, please advise of any dietary requirements.

For those who RSVP, we will be sending out instructions on how to join and participate in the webinar directly to you, in advance of the event. We will also make a recording available in the BPR afterwards.

More information

Avocados Australia Export Coordinator Joy Tang on 0499 600 613 or export@avocados.org.au

 

This event is part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado export readiness and market access (AV17000), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.