‘LUNCH & LEARN’ Webinar series to focus on Avocado irrigation

 

The ‘LUNCH & LEARN’ Webinar series coming up in late-August-September will focus on the fundamentals of avocado irrigation. The series is delivered by the AV23010 industry development and extension project team so they content has been tailored to suit the needs of growers.

The series is designed to share key content from the national grower workshops held in 2024–2025 in partnership with Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) and will be useful for those who couldn’t attend in person or who’d like a refresher. The webinar recordings will serve as excellent long term learning resources that will be made available from the Best Practice Resource (BPR) to support grower knowledge and awareness around irrigation management.

The three short lunchtime webinars (12:00–12:45pm QLD time) will each cover a specific topic:

  • Episode 1:Framework for Irrigation – Liam Southam-Rogers (AHR) – 28 August 2025
  • Episode 2:Crop Water Use – Turning Water into Dollars – Kelvin Montagu (AHR) – 4 September 2025
  • Episode 3:Water Balance Models – Where Do They Fit? – Kelvin Montagu (AHR) – 18 September 2025

To REGISTER, and for more information, click one these links:

CONTACT:
For more information contact:
Bridie Carr, Project Leader, QDPI – 0436 675 740 | bridie.carr@dpi.qld.gov.au


Acknowledgement

The Avocado industry development and extension project (AV23010) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

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

Grower Extension events & webinar in Aug-Sept!

Here are the grower-focused events and webinars happening in August to September courtesy of the Avocado Industry Development and Extension project (AV23010) team.

REGISTER NOW! DON’T MISS OUT!

20 Aug – SQ Canopy Management Practical Workshop | REGISTER HERE
27 Aug – NQ Regional Forum, Tolga | REGISTER HERE
28 Aug – ‘Lunch & Learn’ Webinar Irrigation Series – Ep. 1 Framework for Irrigation | REGISTER HERE
4 Sept – ‘Lunch & Learn’ Webinar Irrigation Series – Ep. 2 Crop Water Use | REGISTER HERE
18 Sept – ‘Lunch & Learn’ Webinar Irrigation Series – Ep. 3 Water Balance Models – Where Do They Fit? | REGISTER HERE

 

REGIONAL LEADS:


North Queensland – David Bin – david.bin@daf.qld.gov.au or 0476 528 302
Central Queensland – Renata Grunennvaldt – renata.grunennvaldt@daf.qld.gov.au or 0475 855 445
South Queensland – Shanara Veivers – shanara.veivers@daf.qld.gov.au or 0408 371 054
New South Wales – Isabella Ellmers – isabella.ellmers@ahr.com.au or 0431 125 513
Tristate – Steven Falivene – steven.falivene@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0427 208 611
Western Australia – Rachelle Johnstone – rachelle.johnstone@dpird.wa.gov.au or 0423 114 972

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

REMINDER PALM Scheme Review – Complete NFF’s Survey!

The Federal Government has commenced the 2nd phase of its review of the PALM Scheme Deed and Guidelines — having completed its 1st phase review of the 30-hour weekly minimum guarantee. This resulted in a decision to extend the trial of the 4-week averaging period to 31 March 2026. To help inform the 2nd Phase of the Review the NFF would like Approved Employers, host businesses and any growers planning to engage with the scheme in future to complete an important Survey.

The 2nd phase of the Review is focused on eight settings within the scheme: (1) Accommodation Standards, (2) Pay Parity, (3) Low Hours Safety Net, (4) Minimum Net Pay Guarantee, (5) Welfare and Wellbeing Support, (6) Transparency of Deductions, (7) Cultural Competency, and (8) Transport Standards.

Complete the NFF’s SURVEY HERE 

The survey aims to seek feedback in regard to the above settings. The deadline for responses is before COB on Friday 29 August 2025.

How your feedback will be managed

Responses will be aggregated and anonymized when shared with the Federal Government and reported publicly. Respondents have an option to identify themselves and provide contact details should they wish to be available to provide further feedback to the NFF on the PALM scheme.

The NFF suggest that respondents should only respond to those questions you can and wish to answer. The survey will only collect your details like name and email address if you provide it yourself.

Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Barry Young, Policy Officer of NFF Workplace Relations and Legal Affairs at byoung@nff.org.au.

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

Maturity monitoring now focusing on WA & Tristate Hass

 

The AV22011 wholesale maturity monitoring program continued through July and into August, with a focus on CNSW, WA and Tristate Hass. A total of 14 samples were collected during this period, with 3 from WA, 5 from Tristate and 6 from CNSW.

Of these samples, 2 Tristate and 3 WA failed to meet the industry minimum standard of 23% dry matter (Figure 2). In future sampling rounds, CNSW fruit will no longer be sampled, as it has consistently met the industry minimum dry matter standard.

Well done to growers Aussie Orchards, Avorama, Comboyne Avocados, Costa (Fisherman’s Reach), Steven Atwal, Sunvale Produce and Tselis Fresh Produce whose fruit was sampled in July and August and exceeded the minimum maturity standard.

 

Figure 2. July and August 2025 Hass dry matter levels

To ensure consumers have the best eating experience, make sure that fruit you harvest meets the minimum dry matter standards of 21% for Shepard and 23% for Hass. Continue to monitor your dry matter levels as your harvest progresses. More information on dry matter testing is available HERE.

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

Central New South Wales Hass season starts strong

Australian Hass avocados sampled in in July were 94% acceptable, matching the quality in June and surpassing the industry target of 90%.

Following the trend observed in June, the incidence of unacceptable rots, vascular browning and flesh discolouration has continued to fall. However, unacceptable bruising levels have risen in July from 4.8% to 6.5% (Figure 1), with all affected fruit originating from Queensland.

The first Central New South Wales Hass samples of the season were collected in July, with all fruit meeting acceptable standards; a promising start to the season!

Figure 1. Unacceptable Australian grown fruit by defect type (>10% defects) in June and July 2025.

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

Spreading the Avo-Can-Do spirit – National Avocado Day Wrap-up

 

As you know, on Thursday 31 July, Australian Avocados brought the Avo-Can-Do energy to Bondi Beach with a pop-up Avo Breakfast Rave, celebrating National Avocado Day with music, movement, and smashed avo breakfast. Overall, 98 pieces of coverage (16 unique) were secured across broadcast, online and community channels, delivering over 4.7M opportunities to see – well above KPIs of 5 news pieces and 3 “What’s On” listings. The article below is a wrap-up on what was achieved.

Built around the brand’s feel-good platform, the activation tapped into the rising popularity of breakfast raves, positioning Australian Avocados as a delicious and nutritious way for Australians to power their mornings and mindsets.

The event featured:

  • A live DJ set from Mistah Cee
  • Free smashed avocado toast
  • Limited-edition Avo Breakfast Rave Six Packs for early attendees and media

The event was well attended by Sydneysiders and further amplified through a multi-channel media blitz, including live broadcast segments, tailored radio mentions, and engaging social media content from attending influencers.

Media Highlights

Standout moments included

  • TODAY Show: A DJ live cross reached an estimated 1.93M viewers, and was syndicated 33 times nationally, generating an additional reach of 1.1M via 9Now. DJ Mistah Cee delivered key campaign messages, and the avo packs were prominently featured – including one held by Karl Stefanovic.
  • Channel 10: Featured the rave in its Good News segment, reaching 54.9k syndicated 31 times nationally, spotlighting Australian Avocados and reinforcing messaging around fueling the day.
  • Sitchu, My Guide Sydney, and All Events featured the event in their “What’s On” guides.

Radio coverage

  • Nova Sydney: Breakfast show hosts promoted the rave as part of National Avocado Day and highlighted Australian Avocados delicious and nutritious qualities. They also encouraged listeners to join in on the action with free avocado toast and the new avo six-packs on offer.
  • 2UE Sydney: Delivered a strong shout-out to the Avo Breakfast Rave, unpacking the event and praising Australian Avocados.
  • Super Radio Network: The Mornings with Chis Smith show also reported on the event, with coverage across 20 stations on the statewide Super Radio Network. The hosts discussed National Avocado Day and promoted the breakfast rave event.

Social media buzz

To help drive foot traffic beyond traditional media, Australian Avocados partnered with five foodie and lifestyle influencers, alongside the event DJ, to promote the rave and share content across their channels on the day. This resulted in extending the campaign reach by 1.2 million. Some key highlights include:

  • Eat Drink Play: Shared live Instagram stories with a reach of 89.4K.
  • Influencer Content: Influencers Bronte Rose, Lillian Bradford, Kat & Alex, Samantha Khater, Nick & Helmi, and Mistah Cee amplified the event’s reach across their TikTok and Instagram channels.
  • Facebook Groups: Posts appeared in Bondi Local Loop, Coogee & Randwick Local Loop, Eastern Suburbs Social Group, and more.

With strong support across broadcast, radio, social, and influencer channels, the campaign successfully reached Australians far and wide, positioning Australian Avocados as a delicious and nutritious way to win the morning, reinforcing the brand’s positive, can-do spirit.

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

Australian Avocados Launch in Japan a success!

 

This month the Australian Avocados 2025 Season was officially launched in Japan at the TRUNK HOTEL in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo! 🥑 🌏

On Friday 1 August this vibrant trade event kicked off with Avocados Australia as host directly engaging with our key Japanese market partners, including importers and retailers. Our special thanks go to Mike Sharp (WA Investment and Trade Commissioner for North East Asia) and Kendall Draper (Austrade) for opening the event and for their kind remarks and support.

The highlights of this highly successful event included:

  • Market & industry updates from Flora Zhang (General Manager – Export, Avocados Australia)
  • Latest export trends and opportunities for Australian Avocados in Japan, outlining growth potential, key priorities for the season, and the increasing demand for premium avocados among Japanese consumers.
  • Post-harvest and quality insights from Jodie Campbell (Senior Principal Horticulturist, QDPI)
  • Best practices for post-harvest handling and maintaining fruit quality throughout the supply chain — a critical foundation for ensuring Japanese consumers experience Australian avocados at their best.
  • Trade and consumer campaign showcase and learnings from Kaz Shiina (relativ*)
  • Highlights from recent in-market activations, including social media influencer partnerships and trade marketing efforts that drove increased visibility and retail excitement for Australian Avocados.
  • The curated avocado menu, particularly the Aussie Avocado Tempura and Tiramisu was a crowd favourite — celebrating the versatility of Australian avocados in Japanese cuisine.

The launch helped Avocados Australia’s export team to build on the growing consumer interest received about the season so far and it was an encouraging sign for the year ahead.

The Australian Avocados seasonal launch in Japan was an initiative of the Avocado Market Access and Trade Development Project (2024–2029) (AV23003) that is led by Avocados Australia and funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the not-for-profit, grower-owned research and development corporation for Australia’s horticulture industry.

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

Avocado biosecurity project – working to address biosecurity risks

 

The Hort Innovation biosecurity project AV21002 – Avocado Industry Biosecurity Strategy 2022-2026 – commenced in July 2022 and continues to investigate and develop resources to protect and secure the Australian avocado industry’s biosecurity future.

Managed by Avocados Australia (AAL), the project considers both current and future biosecurity risks to Australian avocado growers. The five-year project aims to:

  • Improve avocado industry biosecurity resilience through the development and delivery of foundational exotic pest preparedness documents supported by exotic pest incursion and response exercises,
  • Better understand the risk posed to the avocado industry from exotic pests by identifying current gaps in pest risk assessments,
  • Provide pathway analyses and diagnostic capability,
  • Increase the uptake of appropriate on-farm biosecurity practices by proposing reasonable and practical ways to address biosecurity risk.

John Tyas, Avocados Australia’s (AAL’s) CEO, acts as the key representative of Australian avocado growers under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). He regularly sees the impact of exotic pest incursions on Australian horticultural industries and growers.  As a result, he is well aware of the importance of biosecurity to address prevention, preparedness, response and recovery when it comes to significant regionalised endemic pests and exotic pests that are not yet known to occur in Australia.

“The cost to all growers as a result of new exotic pest incursions, their management and impacts on export markets is foremost on our minds.  Being prepared and having policies and procedures in place beforehand greatly reduces possible future impact and cost,” John said.

So far, the project has ensured that:

  • All Avocados Australia staff and Directors have been trained in key aspects of biosecurity response and decision-making processes under Australia’s EPPRD to better support growers during any biosecurity incident.
  • A Biosecurity Incident Standard Operating Procedure has been developed to confirm that decision making follows a specified process and allocates roles and responsibilities to key decision makers.
  • Two staff members have been trained to support grower Industry Liaison in the event of a biosecurity emergency or incident.
  • An up-to-date review of serious avocado pest threats has been completed, resulting in the development of twenty-one detailed Pest Pathway Analysis reports.
  • Work continues to better understand the risks posed to the avocado industry from exotic pests by identifying and addressing current gaps in pest risk assessments, pest prioritisation, national diagnostic protocols, surveillance, exotic pest management and impact on trade.
  • An economic impact assessment has been completed to highlight the consequences to industry should an incursion occur using two exotic pests as an example.
  • Avocado industry stakeholders have been consulted through a series of workshops to consider on-farm biosecurity preparedness options, issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Levels of adoption of recommended on-farm biosecurity prevention practices employed by avocado growers have been assessed and benchmarked.
  • Initiatives are underway to identify barriers to adoption of on-farm biosecurity measures, with feedback on opportunities for improvement and information gaps noted that will support future strategies.
  • Growers have been kept informed on project progress through Avocados Australia’s communication channels including in Talking Avocados Magazine, Guacamole enewsletter articles, and industry updates.

A face-to-face meeting with project collaborators was held at the AAL office at Rocklea on 16 June to discuss and finalise the project’s Year 4 annual plan to achieve project deliverables and outcomes.  Highlights for Year 4 will include the development of an industry biosecurity strategy to support and guide AAL on promotion of on-farm biosecurity initiatives for growers and consolidate previous project work to support a revised Avocado Biosecurity Plan produced by Plant Health Australia.

Contact:

For more information about the project contact Grant Telford, email biosecurity@avocado.org.au.

Acknowledgement

The Avocado Industry Biosecurity Strategy 2022 – 2026 (AV21002) project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

This article appears as part of the 1 August 2025 edition of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Pemberton Avocado Festival – 1st weekend in NOV!

A Delicious New Celebration in WA’s Avocado Heartland

Australia’s avocado lovers have a new event to mark on their calendars, the inaugural Pemberton Avocado Festival, set for first weekend in November 2025 in the picturesque town of Pemberton, nestled deep in Western Australia’s Southern Forests & Valleys region.

A weekend of flavour, fun and community spirit awaits, as Pemberton celebrates its thriving avocado industry alongside the broader agricultural excellence of the region. With support from the Forest Transition Fund, the festival is backed by the Pemberton Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday’s main event in the town centre from 9am – 4pm will showcase:

  • Avocado-inspired food stalls and wine tastings
  • A dedicated “Meet the Growers” area where visitors can chat with local avocado producers and learn firsthand about how their fruit is grown
  • Free kids’ zone with rides and animals
  • Marron races and fashion parades
  • Live music, local performers, cooking demonstrations and bustling markets

Beyond the festival hub, local cafés, wineries, and restaurants will serve up avocado-themed menus, while Sunday’s exclusive Farm Bus Tour offers an immersive journey through the region’s world-class avocado farms and produce.

Sunday invites visitors to delve deeper into Pemberton’s rich natural beauty and culinary charm, with forest adventures, scenic tram rides, bush picnics, kayaking, and wine tasting.

The weekend also features ticketed events, including a Smoking Meat Masterclass at Pemberton Golf Club and a glamorous Gala Night at Hidden River Estate.

Festival organisers are currently seeking stallholders, sponsors and regional tourism operators to participate, helping showcase the incredible food, farming, and community experiences unique to the region.

With strong community backing and a deep connection to local producers, the Pemberton Avocado Festival is not just a celebration of fruit – it’s a celebration of place, people, and possibility.

Mitch De Campo, the Pemberton Chamber of Commerce Chair, believes the festival will showcase their town.

 

Above, Mitch De Campo, Pemberton Chamber of Commerce Chair.

“The Pemberton Avocado Festival will be an incredible opportunity to showcase our town and region to visitors from across the state and beyond. It’s a celebration of our thriving avocado industry, diverse agriculture, and the amazing community that makes Pemberton so special. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable weekend that will bring significant benefits to our local economy and tourism.”

For more details, visit: www.pembyavofest.com | Follow the festivities via: @PembyAvoFest #PembyAvoFest

This article appears as part of the 1 August 2025 edition of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

 

NQ Avocado industry & Hort SHOW DAYS 9-10 OCT!

Mark Your Calendars – Over 50 Trade Displays Already Booked!

 

Join us in Tolga on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October 2025 for the inaugural 🥑✨ North Queensland Avocado & Hort Industry ‘Show Days’ — a vibrant two-day gathering that will bring together the largest regional network of avocado growers in Australia, alongside a host of additional horticultural producers and their industry partners.

With over 50 exhibitors already confirmed, this free-to-attend event offers a unique opportunity for businesses and growers to connect, discover practical solutions, and explore the latest innovations in horticulture. The event program will also feature the North Queensland Export Forum, bringing valuable insight and discussion around trade opportunities for regional producers. Whether you are part of a corporate farming operation or a family-run orchard, this is a chance to engage directly with suppliers, learn from industry leaders, and enjoy a lively, community-focused atmosphere.

Trade display spaces are filling fast, but there’s still time to get involved. If your business supports the horticulture supply chain, this is the perfect chance to meet face-to-face with growers and decision-makers across the region.

📅 Save the date and stay tuned for program details and registration info. For trade display bookings please use the booking form on the event page 👉 https://avocado.org.au/event/nq-avocado-industry-hort-show-days/

This article appears as part of the 1 August 2025 edition of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.