Is your orchard protected?

Farm crime: is your orchard protected?

Farm crime remains a growing concern for agricultural businesses across Australia, with theft, vandalism and property damage continuing to impact farming communities. While no grower wants to think about becoming a target, taking practical steps to reduce risk can help protect both your business and your peace of mind.

Recent research from the University of New England’s Centre for Rural Criminology highlights the scale of the issue, with many Australian landholders experiencing repeated incidents of farm crime. Fuel theft, machinery theft, trespass and livestock theft continue to create significant financial and operational challenges for primary producers.

A proactive approach to minimising risk

For avocado growers, the theft or damage of equipment, fuel, irrigation infrastructure and other farm assets can disrupt operations and create unexpected costs. Taking a proactive approach to farm security can help minimise these risks.

Simple measures that can make a difference include:

• maintaining secure fencing and locked access points
• installing security lighting and surveillance cameras
• securing machinery, tools and fuel storage areas
• keeping accurate records and photographs of valuable assets
• clearly displaying signage and reporting suspicious activity
• working with local rural crime prevention groups and neighbours to share information.

More information and resources

Alongside physical security measures, reviewing your insurance cover is an important part of an overall risk management strategy. Insurance can help growers recover more quickly from theft, vandalism and other unexpected events, supporting business continuity when incidents occur.

Regularly reviewing your policy can also ensure valuable farm assets are adequately covered as your business grows and changes. Emerging risks, including cyber threats to agricultural businesses, are also becoming an increasingly important consideration.

While insurance alone cannot prevent farm crime, it forms an important part of a broader approach that combines good security practices, community awareness and careful planning. By taking practical steps today, growers can strengthen the resilience of their businesses and help protect the assets they’ve worked hard to build.

Member benefit reminder

Growers are reminded that WFI Insurance policy holders are eligible for Free Avocados Australia Grower Membership*.

How do I register for benefits?

Visit the 🔗 WFI Insurance page on the Avocados Australia website to register as an existing policy holder or to organise an insurance quote from the WFI Insurance team.

Avocados Australia Limited (Avocados Australia) is a referral partner of WFI and does not provide any advice, recommendations or opinions about WFI’s products. If you take out an eligible policy with WFI, Avocados Australia receives a commission from WFI which is calculated as a percentage of the premium (excluding taxes and charges). The amount Avocados Australia receives depends on the policy taken out. You can ask Avocados Australia for more information on their commission, taxes and charges. Always read the PDS. PDS and TMDs available from WFI at wfi.com.au.  

*Terms and conditions apply. Free Membership for AAL members will be applied for a 12-month period only. Commencing from the AAL member’s next AAL membership renewal date that falls between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, following the start or renewal of a WFI Insurance Policy where AAL is recorded as a referrer.

This article appears as part of the 31 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.