Central QLD Growers come together for Regional Forum

A gathering of over a hundred avocado industry stakeholders turned out for the Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum on Thursday 13 February at the Multiplex Convention Centre in Bundaberg. Key growers operating in the region attended to hear a range of excellent presentations related to avocado nutrition and fruit quality. Following the forum an orchard walk was conducted at Donovan Family Investments’ Givelda-based orchard with Clayton Donovan providing an informative overview of their orchard practices.

The event also provided Matt Kleyn (Avocados Australia’s Chair, a North Queensland Director and an avocado grower), Eric Carney (CQ/SC Director and grower) and Lucy Philip (CQ/SC Director and grower) with the opportunity to address the gathering and provide an update on the Board’s activities. Growers there could provide their feedback and ask questions of these Board members.

This was the first of six regional forums planned for 2025 being delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The Central QLD Avocado Grower Regional Forum included presentations providing an industry update (by John Tyas, Avocados Australia’s CEO), an Avocado industry extension project update, an update on fruit quality, an overview on Carbohydrate management, Nitrogen use, and practices that are looking to enhance fruit quality.

All of the speakers took part in a round robin session that allowed a two-way exchange of ideas and discussion between the speakers and growers.

Copies of the presentations will be uploaded to the Best Practice Resource (BPR) and shared via a Grower Notice.

This article appears as part of the 17 February 2025 issue of Guacamole.

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