Australia signs Peru FTA

An agreement that reduces tariffs on Australian horticulture into Peru was signed by the Australian Government this week. However, Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas says the industry will be carefully watching for moves to import from Peru to Australia. “We know there is keen interest from the Latin American country in sending the Superfoods of Peru to Australia, including avocados,” he said. “Obviously there are still quarantine requirements that will have to be met before any fresh produce can enter; Avocados Australia is closely monitoring this situation. In addition, we have worked with Hort Innovation to commission a new project, to assess the potential impact of imports from Peru and Chile. This project will be undertaken in the coming months.”

New national horticulture council

The National Farmers’ Federation has launched a Horticulture Council to enhance the interests of the sector. Avocados will be represented on the council via the Voice of Horticulture (VoH). VoH Chair Tania Chapman says as Australia’s fastest growing agricultural sector, it is imperative there is a clear understanding of horticulture at the highest policy level, which is Canberra.

New marketing campaign on the way!

Australians will be tempted with a new campaign explaining how 'Avocados make everything better'. The new avocado marketing campaign revolves around key messages of wellness and versatility and includes television, online and out of home activities. See the latest marketing activity that’s helping Aussie consumers connect with (and eat!) Australian Avocados.

Bumper crop possible in NQ

North Queensland grower and Avocados Australia chairman Jim Kochi says avocado production in Australia had more than doubled in the past five years and may reach three million trays this year. Mr Kochi told the North Queensland Register his local region would contribute to that, with recent large planting expansions coming online from this year.

Bright future for avocado

In its latest Ag Answers report, Rural Bank has labelled avocados as a fruit category to watch in 2018. The report cites increased production with additional plantings, the popularity of avocados via Australia’s café culture, increased wholesale prices and ongoing R&D work for the mention.

Have your say on future R&D

It is important that our next round of industry R&D activity has a strong on-farm productivity focus, to complement the research already being undertaken. At the end of 2017, Hort Innovation and Avocados Australia hosted an initial forum attended by researchers, experts and industry leaders to identify key areas. Very soon we will email all industry members a survey, to help us refine priorities within genetics and propagation, disease, pests and insects, crop production, precision ag and fruit handling.

HARPS timeline extension

Based on the feedback from low volume producers requesting more implementation time, a number of provisions have been made to the rollout of the Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS). Tier 2 suppliers that may require HARPS approval will have until 1 January 2019. However, these businesses should register their interest in achieving HARPS approval at www.harpsonline.com.au by 30 June 2018.

Free online: The Australian Farmer

You can click here to access your free copy of The Australian Farmer, featuring more than 280 pages of informative and instructive articles designed specifically for Australian farmers.

Have you listed in the new Avocado Directory?

Avocados Australia is now welcoming listing applications from industry stakeholders for the new Avocado Directory. The directory allows easy access to all sorts of businesses that play a role in the avocado industry. Whether you are a buyer or seller of products or services, this directory can help you. 

Check out the new & improved Learning module

There has been an exciting major new addition to the Best Practice Resource (BPR) for 2018. The new Learning module provides registered BPR users with access to online learning in six key industry areas: growing, packhouse, retail, ripening, transport and wholesale. You can choose to complete any of the courses, as they are offered individually. For example, if you are a ripener, you may only want to complete the ripening course.

The BPR is our free online one-stop-shop to support best practice throughout the Australian avocado supply chains. We encourage all of our stakeholders to register and access this vital resource. You can log in (or request access!) via www.avocado.org.au/best-practice-resource/.