Grower feedback underscores value in benchmarking program

Growers participating in the National avocado industry benchmarking program are already using the production and financial insights gained through the program to inform their decision making.

Confidential, in-person discussions with a professional farm business consultant have clarified growers’ cost of production per hectare, and uncovered areas where costs are too high or efficiencies are needed. They have also identified areas of strength in their businesses, as well as future investment and expansion options.

“We’re using the insights to help prioritise improvements over the next few years,” one grower said.

The benchmarking program provides a detailed report to individual growers on their own business benchmarks and how they are performing against the wider industry, as well as a de-identified, national report on the performance of the avocado industry.

“The benchmarking report shows where we are sitting in the industry, so we can see if we are efficient or falling behind,” another grower said.

While the national report provides valuable information for growers and the wider industry, the quality of the data is dependent on a larger cross-section of growers participating in the program. Growers are strongly encouraged to get involved in the benchmarking program as it is free to join, and all individual financial and production information will remain strictly confidential.

The 2024 Avocado Benchmarking National Report is being finalised, and growers can contact Avocados Australia to access a copy of the 2023 Report.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

To get involved in the benchmarking program, complete the online Expression of Interest form or contact Meg Caffin at RMCG on 0413 949 641 or megc@rmcg.com.au.

Acknowledgement

The Avocado industry benchmarking (AV22004) project is a five-year program funded by Hort Innovation using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. The project is delivered by independent agricultural consulting group, RMCG, with support from Howard Hall at Pinnacle Agribusiness.

This article appears as part of the 15 August 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

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