The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is providing its North Queensland avocado dry matter maturity testing service again this season.

Sampling: Collect fruit sample on the morning of testing. Five fruit per sample. Each sample needs to be representative of the fruit intended for picking. Keep your fruit in a plastic bag or sealed container in a cool, dry place prior to delivery to DAF Mareeba.

Sample form: You must submit a completed sample form: click here to download.

Where: Drop samples to DAF Mareeba B Block, 28 Peters St. (Ph: 4017 0700) as soon as possible after picking, between 9am-12.30pm on Tuesdays only. Please use hand sanitiser provided on arrival to the building and always follow social distancing rules. Place fruit in a sample container and follow instructions from admin staff.

Cost: $25 per sample. Cash, cheque or EFTPOS payments are accepted. Invoices cannot be issued and we can no longer take credit card payment over the phone.

Results: Results are sent out the following afternoon.

Contact: Ebony Faichney for more information on 0491 212 948 or email ebony.faichney@daf.qld.gov.au.

This article was produced for the 19 February 2021 edition of Guacamole.