Irrigators in the Central Queensland avocado growing region are facing tough decisions due to changes in water availability.
When water is in short supply a range of decisions may need to be made including:
the purchase of additional water from a low availability market
prioritise water onto preferred patches
giving other patches reduced volumes with consequent reductions in production
abandoning poorly performing patches, and
possibly removing plantings of lowest priority and bringing forward redevelopment plans.
The success of a reduced irrigation strategy must consider the impacts in both the current season(s) and subsequent seasons. This is particularly the case with avocados, as the effects of inadequate moisture are not temporary. A survival mechanism exists where moisture stress leads to blockages in the tree’s water conducting tissues until new conductive tissue is grown (often termed ‘drought memory’). Water movement can be reduced for up to two years after the stress period has occurred.
Avocados have relatively high water requirements compared to other horticultural crops, and correct irrigation is the most important cultural practice in their production.
Avocado trees have a relatively shallow root system. Water uptake can be inefficient, with trees unable to search for and extract water that is tightly held to soil particles. Therefore, this crop is less forgiving of poor irrigation practices. About 90% of the roots typically occur in the top 15cm, and little water can be extracted from soil that is drier than -20kPa.
There are some things that growers can adopt relatively quickly which may result in some water savings depending on current irrigation management. These savings are generally minor, the main benefit is ensuring a higher certainty of the water that is available reaching the crop. Some of these include:
calculating block by block water budgets
checking and conducting maintenance on the irrigation system to reduce leaks or remove blockages
installing irrigation scheduling and recording devices such as soil moisture monitoring and irrigation controllers
reducing canopy size
mulching the wetted strip
reducing the wetted area by changing sprinkler heads
irrigating at night to reduce evaporation
conducting full weed cover
managing orchard variability due to soil type and irrigation system performance.
For irrigators who are already highly efficient, there may be very little that can be done to save significant amounts of water. Water budgeting and purchasing additional water to deliver full production potential to selected blocks, canopy reduction, patch prioritisation and possibly bringing forward redevelopment plans are the most effective strategies to be considered when managing low water availability.
Avocado growers in the Mallee experienced significant reductions to water allocations in 2006-2008. Various water saving methods were adopted, including ‘staghorning’ (Figure 1). These practices had mixed outcomes, with irrigators expressing alternative actions if subjected to the same conditions in the future.
Staghorned mature avocado trees. Image: Jeremy Giddings.
As a “person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)”, it is your responsibility to ensure that you provide and maintain a work environment that is without risks to the physical and psychological health and safety for you and your workers.
Working with Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) when picking avocados can pose significant health and safety risks to the operator and those around them.
Safety must come first but what does safety look like?
Do you have an EWP Standard Operating Procedure?
Do you have a training and operations log for your EWP operators?
Do you have the correct safety equipment to operate an EWP?
Do you conduct a risk assessment prior to the use of the EWP?
Do you need a licence to operate an EWP?
Do you supervise the operation of the EWP?
Do you have your EWP inspected annually?
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
A standard operating procedure is a document specific to your operation and the equipment that you use. It is a necessary document that forms part of your training requirements for workers in the operation of equipment such as an EWP. A SOP should contain the following elements.
A title, author, document version, date and approved for use by.
The SOP should outline the purpose of the document eg “This SOP outlines the procedures to be followed by trained operators when operating elevated work platforms to harvest avocados”.
An application/scope should outline where and by who the document should be used by in dot points eg, “This SOP concentrates solely on the operation of EWP (model x). All operators must have significant and documented training before operating the EWP (model x). This SOP concentrates solely on the operation of EWP (model x) in Orchard x. All questions should be directed to person x before commencing operation etc”.
The resources/equipment should be outlined including the EWP model, location of manufactures operating and maintenance manuals, required safety equipment and storage location, first aid requirements and locations, EWP inspection logs etc.
A warnings section will highlight specific dangers that trained operators must consider when operating the EWP (model x).
A description of activities will outline again the purpose for use of the EWP and step by step instructions, including pre-system checks and use of use of safety equipment.
References can point the EWP operator to the use of other SOP and safety document that must be used in cooperation with this specific SOP. They can include SOPs for first aid, harness use, use of fuel stations, traffic plans and management as well as legal codes and guides or manufactures information.
Appendices can be attached including training documents, risk assessment documents, licence documents, maintenance inspection logs, supervision logs etc.
A compliance and review log should be attached to the back of the SOP. As part of the compliance log all who have been trained and operate the EWP should sign and date the log to show they have read and understood the instructions of SOP version x. The review log will detail when the SOP document has been reviewed and had a version update. These documents should remain with the SOP throughout its life and beyond as legal documents of compliance.
Training and operations logs
As a “person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)”, it is your responsibility to provide appropriate and sufficient training before allowing a worker to operate an EWP. If you are the owner and the operator of an EWP, you will require training from the manufacturer upon receival of the EWP and it may be worth while undertaking an “Operate an Elevated Work Platform” course with a registered training organisation (RTO) in your region.
When training a worker to operate an EWP, use your SOPs and manufactures manuals, pre-operating procedures, emergency controls, ensure that they understand what you are telling them, show them how to operate the EWP under different conditions, observe them operating the EWP, provide feedback and continue this cycle before making an assessment on whether they are competent of using the EWP independently or whether they need more training. Record this information in a training log that both you and your worker sign off on.
Safety equipment
Ensure that you have the correct safety equipment for operation of the EWP. The safety equipment must be stored correctly and be in a suitable condition. Did you know that best practice for an EWP operator involves the use of a ‘travel restraint system’? This is a short lanyard attached to the bucket and to a waist belt worn by the operator. This prevents the operator from getting their feet onto the mid-rail of the bucket and ensures the operator stands on the floor of the bucket only.
Risk assessments
Risk assessment should be conducted prior to the use of an EWP in consultation with your workers. This means every time not just once. The purpose of the risk assessment is to identify hazards. Common hazards related to EWP use include:
uneven or unstable ground
working around or beneath overhead structures, trees or electrical lines
Once the hazards are identified, the risks associated with these hazards are assessed, control measures are implemented to eliminate or minimise the risk. It is important to us that you and your workers return safely to your homes and families everyday after a day’s working in your avocado orchard.
EWP licence
A high risk work licence must be acquired and made available for the use of EWPs where the boom length is 11 metres or more.
Supervision
An EWP is a high risk piece of equipment. While a risk assessment will help to identify and minimise the risk, supervision of the use of EWPs in avocado orchards will assist in monitoring hazards and keeping the operator and those around the EWP safe.
Annual EWP Inspections
In January 2021, Safe Work Australia released a new guide to inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms (EWPs). Elevating work platforms need to be inspected at least annually. EWPs are high-risk equipment that have caused nine worker fatalities in the past five years (2015-2019). An inspection, maintenance and testing program is crucial to assess their safe operation.
Employers are responsible for keeping workers safe and this includes ensuring that plant equipment is inspected and maintained.
Employers must also ensure that workers are given the necessary information, training, instruction and supervision to use elevating work platforms safely.
Download the guide here: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/guide-inspecting-and-maintaining-elevating-work-platforms.
This article was prepared for the Autumn 2021 edition of Talking Avocados. Please check the current state and national requirements, and consult the necessary authorities with regard to your individual operational requirements.
Please note, the links in this article are for pages within the Best Practice Resource. You will need to log in here in order to view the BPR content.
Inundated fields
Avocado trees are sensitive to inundation, and if flooded for about 48 hours will die from lack of oxygen to the roots. These saturated areas are not necessarily confined to just the flatter parts of the orchard, spots where water flows and where springs emerge will also be adversely affected.
When safe to do so, inspect the orchard and mark areas that are affected by poor drainage. Take steps immediately to improve the drainage of these areas so that the water can get away.
In the longer term decide whether you can significantly improve drainage for the affected trees (eg mounding, improved surface drainage, installation of subsurface drainage). If not then remove avocado trees from the area, and use it for some other purpose. Building better mounds for future tree rows may help in marginal areas as long as they are orientated to allow the water to get away and not dam it up.
Food Safety & Biosecurity Guidance
Floodwater and leftover debris can be heavily contaminated with food safety and human health organisms. Refer to Freshcare’s Food Safety & Quality Fact Sheet as it includes important guidance on Food Safety (page 1-3) as well as Biosecurity advice (page 3):
Report the detection of unusual pest/s on your farm via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.Biosecurity related issues can be reported to Avocados Australia’s Industry Liaison Officer, email co@avocado.org.au or call 0488 384 222.
Phytophthora root rot
Avocados are very susceptible to Phytophthora root rot which thrives in saturated, cool soils. Conditions going into autumn after significant rain present the pathogen with ideal conditions.
After several days of cool, cloudy weather the ability of avocado trees to resist the disease is even lower because they haven’t been able to photosynthesize adequately to build up reserves of carbohydrate to fight against the disease and grow new feeder roots.
Phosphorous acid application
The timing of phosphorous acid applications is critical because it will go to the parts of the tree that are growing most actively at the time of application.
Phosphorous acid is needed in the feeder roots to protect them from attack so it must be applied when the feeder roots are actively growing, this generally happens once the most recent leaf flush is fully expanded and hardened. Late autumn till the start of winter (from about March onwards depending on your area) is the best time and longest application window of the year because this is when root growth is strongest.
Phosphorous acid can be applied by injection or multiple foliar sprays but only use the foliar method if the trees have a full and healthy canopy of leaves (this is needed to allow sufficient uptake of the chemical). In other cases, use the trunk injection method, the only exception being if the trees are too young to inject in which case use enough foliar spray volume to thoroughly wet the bark as well as the leaf canopy.
Using the correct rates, volumes and timing are all critical for phosphorous acid applications to be effective. Refer to the ‘Manage Phytophthora root rot’ poster for these details, available from bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au or Avocados Australia. It can also be viewed on the avocado Best Practice Resource (type ‘poster’ into the search box).
To see whether your phosphorous acid application practices have been effective, regularly test the phosphorous acid content of your feeder roots. If you don’t have root levels of 150ppm or more four weeks after your autumn applications or over 90ppm going into summer, then you need to re-examine your application practices against those described in the poster and re-apply.
Metalaxyl (eg Ridomil®) application
Metalaxyl directly kills Phytophthora in the soil once its spores start germinating and invading roots.
The timing of applications isn’t as critical as it is for phosphorous acid so it can be applied under the tree canopy anytime, however, growers should be aware that metalaxyl is easily leached beyond the root zone by heavy rain.
This chemical is expensive so do your sums on the cost/benefit before committing yourself.
Consider treating the worst affected areas. Also bear in mind that each subsequent application is less effective since micro-organisms that degrade it build up in the soil.
Anthracnose on the fruit
After a lengthy period of rainy weather sprays against anthracnose disease are likely to be behind schedule.
Access the details about the revised orchard fungicide programme for anthracnose in avocado on the Field Management webpage.
Leached nutrients
Three of the important nutrients for avocados are prone to leaching from the soil and as a result of the high rainfall are likely to be low, these are:
Growers need to adjust their fertiliser applications to make up for expected shortfalls, typically rates are raised by up to 20% above normal, but be very careful with boron (especially on light sandy soils) not to overdo the rates since this element can easily reach toxic levels. Consult your agronomist for customised rates.
Fertiliser rates are best split into frequent applications of small amounts, this means that the amount that can potentially be lost with each rainfall event will be lower and the levels will be topped up sooner with the next application.
More information
These sections of the BPR contain more information, and we’ve also provided links in the text above to other resources:
The following briefing sessions have been arranged to bring you the latest developments on IFAM over the next months. Event details and registration link for each sessions are listed below. Please click on each link to register your attendance.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar using the chat function available in the WebEx platform.
An event reminder will also be sent out one week prior to each session. If you have any issue registering for the event please email: minh.cao@austrade.gov.au
Mr Michael Byrne, International Freight Co-ordinator General and Air Vice Marshal Margaret Staib, Australian Government Freight Controller will provide an update on the program. Marg and Michael are the Principals of the IFAM program.
Background
The Government commitment to the IFAM program totals $669 million. IFAM continues to be a targeted, temporary emergency measure and businesses need to use the next six months to adjust to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international air transport. This includes developing, where possible, alternative transport pathways, packaging, product and distribution options which take into account enduring higher airfreight costs.
Fall armyworm may opportunistically target avocado
While avocados aren’t the main target of the fall armyworm, it would seem the new pest might attack avocado trees if they happen to be near an area of high infestation, but researchers remain confident it will not be a significant issue for the Australian industry.
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries researcher Dr Ian Newton says there has been one report of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in avocados on the Atherton Tablelands, in early 2021.
“However, we are pretty sure this is what we refer to as a ‘spill-over’ event,” Dr Newton says.
“The fall armyworm’s main host crop is corn (and perhaps some grasses/weeds), where it will breed-up in huge densities over the course of the growing season.
“Under these densities, other neighbouring crops will sometimes get attacked to some extent.”
The fall armyworm moth. The moth is 32-40mm from wing tip to wing tip, with a brown or grey forewing, and white hind wing. Males have more patterns with a distinct white spot on forewings. Image (wing spread): Robert J. Bauernfeind, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org. Image (wings closed): William Lambert, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
Dr Newton says the instance on the Atherton Tablelands involves an orchard “very close” to very heavily infested maize and Rhodes grass.
“We still believe the avocado is not a true host of fall armyworm, and that these “spill-over” cases are probably somewhat rare,” he says.
“On the Atherton Tablelands, we are seeing huge numbers of fall armyworm in corn/maize in areas where there are a lot of avocados in the general area, yet this is the only case of fall armyworm in avocados that has been reported.
“I think it’s unlikely to cause significant issues for avocado growers.”
Top tips for avocado growers
If fall armyworm does become established in your area and your orchard borders broadacre (especially corn or maize) or vegetable crops, the top tip is to continuously monitor, especially in the rows closest to the neighbouring crops.
However, keep in mind that the fall armyworm moth is capable of easily travelling large distances, so it isn’t only the exterior or your orchard that will need monitoring.
If you have grassed areas, these should also be monitored. Overseas, fall armyworm is known to attack Johnson grass, Rhodes grass, bent grasses, digit or finger grasses, couch grass, winter grass and panic grass. (More on pastures here.)
Apart from the larvae and moths, you are looking for leaf damage, including pinholes, windowing, and tattered leaf margins. For a full list (and video) visit this QDAF page.
Fall armyworm larvae. The close up shows the inverted “Y” on the head, used for identification. The larvae is a light green to brown in colour, with white lengthwise lines and dark spots with spines develop as larvae mature. There is a distinctive pattern of four spots on second to last body segment and an inverted “Y” shape pattern on its head. When newly hatched, they are about 1.7mm, eventually reaching a length of about 34mm. Image (whole caterpillar): Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org. Image (close up): Steve L. Brown, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
Available treatment options
Hort Innovation, utilising grower levies from across horticulture, has worked with the other research and development corporations, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and chemical registrants on the response.
If it becomes necessary, you can download a permit for Chlorantraniliprole here. This minor use permit is for fall armyworm in avocados and blueberries.
Upcoming treatment options
Researchers are exploring two potential future treatment options, one a virus used successfully overseas and the other an Australian native fungus.
Dr Newton told the ABC he has been investigating the effectiveness of a naturally-occurring fungus that eats the grub from the inside out.
However, he warns it’s unlikely the pest will ever be eradicated completely.
“The fungus is not going to be a silver bullet but these biological options would be a good tool because they are very specific and only kill the pest, not the beneficial insects including the pollinators,” he told the ABC.
As for the virus product from overseas, Dr Newton told the ABC the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment had approved the importation of the biopesticide, Fawligen, a naturally occurring caterpillar virus that specifically targets fall armyworm.
“The product needs to be registered in Australia and, to do that, we need to prove that it works and is safe, so that is going to take some time.”
Research starting
On 22 March 2021, Hort Innovation announced it had funded a new project – Identifying potential parasitoids of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, and the risk to Australian horticulture (MT19015). Researchers will examine potential parasitoids of fall armyworm and deliver extension materials to growers on how to effectively manage the pest. The research team will identify parasitoid species present in horticultural crops and provide recommendations on potential candidates for future biological control of fall armyworm, as well as local information on established locations, host range, infestation levels on horticultural crops and damage patterns.
Fall armyworm caterpillars eat more than 350 different plants, including corn, sugarcane, rice and many vegetable and fruit crops. (If you are interested in checking the full list, it’s available at CABI.) Crops can be ruined almost overnight without control measures when population levels are high.
It was first detected on the Torres Strait islands of Saibai and Erub in January 2020. Since then, it has been found in North and Central Queensland, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and while it was first found in northern Western Australia, it has recently been found near Gingin (February 2021).
The eggs of the fall armyworm can be seen here on a cotton leaf. The eggs are a pale yellow, and less than 0.5mm in size. There are 100-200 eggs in a “mass” and this is covered in a pale mould-like furry substance. Image: Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
What should I do?
The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is the lead agency in the national response. If you think you’ve seen fall armyworm, call QDAF on 13 25 23. For more information, contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au.
Western Australia
Visit the DPIRD Agriculture & Food page here. General enquiries or suspect reports can be made to PaDIS by calling +61 (0)8 9368 3080 or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au. WA industry enquiries can be directed to Helen Spafford, Senior Research Scientist +61 (0)8 9166 4074.
New South Wales
Visit the NSW DPI page here. Report anything unusual to 1800 084 881.
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.
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.
This is the latest marketing activity that’s helping Aussie consumers connect with (and eat!) Australian avocados. The industry’s marketing is managed by Hort Innovation and funded by the avocado marketing levy. Hort Innovation develops consumer-focused promotions using a variety of mediums including social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as targeted partnerships with consumer-related publications and platforms.
Keep scrolling to see more great marketing activity in 2021. (If you want to look back through 2020, click here.) And, if you are chasing some delicious avocado recipes, check out Australian Avocados.
PR – Place an avo on the Barbie (November/December 2021)
Hayden Quinn, an Australian chef best known for appearing on Series 3 of MasterChef Australia and as a judge on Nine Network cooking program Family Food Fight, has been appearing in print and online talking about placing an avocado on the barbecue. Stories have appeared in November in The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail and NT News along with Nine media outlets. Australian avocados also featured on the TODAY Show on 24 November where avocados and their uses were the topic for discussion. Australian Avocados’ PR agency has been busy reaching out to targets across lifestyle, radio and food verticals with more coverage expected.
Fitzy & Wippa from Nova were spreading the good news about avocado working well on the barbie. They ran an Avo Mate competition in November and promoted it on their Instagram story. On air they played the “Our Green Gold” radio adverts (15 second and 30 second) and promoted avocados as they selected winners for the competition.
Our Green Gold Radio Commercial 15s
Our Green Gold Radio Commercial 30s
Avo Mate Comp Winner #1
Avo Mate Comp Winner #2
Avo Mate Comp Winner #3
Looking for the new ad?
Our Green Gold wins again! (7 September)
The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has announced the winners in the quarter two Creative Collection competition for 2021. Our Green Gold won the Best Use of Multi-Format Campaign. Read more in Mediaweek.
We love our avo just as much as we love our green and gold. Congratulations to @AusAvos for taking out the win in the Best Use of Multi-Format in this quarter’s Creative Collection. Across the board, we loved this simple, striking nod to our home grown produce and our Olympians. pic.twitter.com/vTRIrwGx0j
Kate Ritchie shares her fave avocado recipes (1 September)
Nova’s Kate Ritchie has put together some of her favourite avo recipes, including sushi, an avocado and salmon poke bowl, and an avocado bruschetta. Read more at Nova.
Avocado a mood booster (26 August)
Green + Simple listed avocados as one of their top 5 mood boosting foods, in this recent article. Readers learnt that avocados help improve brain function and reduce fatigue.
Our Green Gold on Woolworths (18 August)
Our Green Gold is currently on show on the Woolworths website.
We’ve taken a quick screen video recording as well, so you can check it out regardless.
No squeezing please! (15 August)
Sydney dietitian Lyndi Cohen has revealed why you should never squeeze an avocado to check if it’s ripe, and the correct way to see if it’s ready to eat. Read more in the Daily Mail.
Lyndi also shared a great avo recipe, and you can check it out here:
The winner of the Seven Network’s $1 million contest to crown the best ad shown during the Olympics Games Tokyo 2020 has been announced.
Australian Avocados’ Our Green Gold campaign won gold with the public, who voted it as their favourite ad shown during Seven’s live, free and exclusive coverage of the world’s biggest sporting event of the decade.
Australian Avocados has won free placement in Seven’s biggest sporting and cultural moments of the next nine months, worth $1 million.
Australian Avocados’ Our Green Gold ad featuring comedian Nazeem Hussain has been shortlisted for Channel 7’s Favourite ad of the Olympics! Voting is now open at https://7plus.com.au/fav2020.
We encourage you to share widely – no connection is too distant to reach out and encourage voting! The time for action is now: we must av-a-go at winning the title, the supreme; THE PRESTIGE of the best ad of the Olympics.
Also, the winning ad will receive a $1 million advertising boost (extra avocado promotion!) and for voting, you will go into the draw for a $25,000 holiday. Did we mention you can vote once a day through to 9 August? *hint*
Celebrating National Avocado Day (31 July)
The face of Our Green Gold, comedian Nazeem Hussain, decided to add “celebrity chef” to his repertoire for National Avocado Day, showing his followers how to make an avocado egg salad. Click here to watch on Instagram.
Do your avocado-loving friends have the best avo hack you’ve ever seen?
Australian Avocados is on a mission to uncover the nation’s very best avocado hacks this National Avocado Day, Saturday, July 31. The reward? An entire year’s supply of avocados.
As Eativity reports, that’s 365 avocados just begging to be smashed, sliced or diced, and 9Honey is telling readers that given this country’s penchant for all things avocado, it’s safe to say there will be plenty of people vying for the opportunity to win such a haul.
The giveaway, is part of Australian Avocados’ “official unofficial” sponsorship of National Avocado Day on Saturday, 31 July, all part of the Our Green Gold campaign.
Share this with your friends (or everyone, everywhere) because all they have to do to be in the running is share their best avo hack on social media and tag the post with @AustralianAvocados on Instagram or Facebook. The winner will be announced on August 17.
Talking health in The Latch(16 July)
The Latch has teamed up with Australian Avocados to bring you the low down on all of the incredible health benefits that the nutrients in this delicious green gold fruit have to offer. The Latch is a Val Morgan Digital publication, focussing on wellness, lifestyle and entertainment content.
Early entries for the Metcash competition (13 July)
Consumers at IGA stores nationwide, and Foodland stores in South Australia, will be seeing the Our Green Gold messaging a lot this month, as part of an Australian Avocados-supported sales challenge with Metcash. The store teams are being encouraged to celebrate the avocado with great in-store displays, with prizemoney and a trophy on offer. Here’s some of the entries from the first week!
Check out our 6 July post (below) for more on the competition.
For the next month, consumers in IGA stores nationwide, and Foodland stores in South Australia, are being encouraged to up their avo game, with an Australian Avocados-supported sales challenge. IGA teams are being encouraged to celebrate the avocado with great in-store displays, with prizemoney and a trophy on offer. The stores have been provided with a point-of-sale kit, including posters, shelf tickets, and tear pads.
Retailers promoting Hass avocados (28 June)
Our Green Gold on the airwaves (June)
Here’s just a sample of the radio spots that have been playing on various stations across the country!
Panic buying extends to avocados in Sydney (25 June)
There’s plenty of #OurGreenGold for everyone, we promise!
Moments after the lockdown was announced, panic buying struck the avocado shelves.
Toilet paper aisles have also been stripped in Sydney supermarkets.
Blend it, dowse it in citrus, smoosh it between brioche, deep fry it, freeze it – we asked cafe and deli owners across the country what they’d do with cheap avo (other than smashing it on toast), Broadsheet Melbourne tells their readers.
Tasty recipe for avo lovers (13 June)
Toss away your stock-standard salad, this season Hunter and Bligh are dressing things up with Australian Avocados and this simple recipe: Avocado, Cucumber, Edamame and Soba Noodle Salad with a zesty peanut dressing.
This avocado season, Aussies are expected to be treated to an estimated 127 million hass avocados.
Homegrown, Australian hass avocados make for a great winter comfort food without the guilt – they’re fantastic as a substitute for dairy products and can be used in handfuls of easy to prepare recipes like pasta sauces, soups, pancakes and even desserts!
Click here to visit the Hunter and Bligh website, and get the recipe.
Eativity: Hass avos back in record numbers (27 May)
Homegrown Hass avocados have had a superb growing season, with an estimated 127 million Aussie Hass avos expected to hit our supermarket shelves in the next three months alone. And that’s just the beginning.
According to Australian Avocados, this year’s Hass crop is of excellent quality, with the huge supply offering great value for consumers – there are already multi-buy promotions available in many retail stores, including supermarkets and greengrocers.
John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, says the quality and abundance of this season’s fruit is attributed to optimal growing conditions across most growing regions.
During his interview with Laurel, Gary & Mark on 4KQ, Nazeem revealed the surprising way Australian Avocados are helping support local bowls clubs! Listen to the interview here.
Our Green Gold in the Aldi catalogue (21 May)
Australian avocado growers Simpson Farms feature in the catalogue for Aldi stores in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia (on sale 22 May), and so does Our Green Gold.
The mural takeover in Kings Cross has happened. Avocados Australia Director Daryl Boardman was sent this image from an excited avocado fan in Sydney this week.
Freshen up your Zoom background! (6 May)
Are you loving the Our Green Gold campaign? Well, now you can share the campaign on your Zoom or Teams calls, with this custom background from the Australian Avocados crew! (Haven’t seen the new ad yet? Scroll down my friends!)
May marks the launch of the new brand positioning and messaging for Australian Avocados
This strategy has been developed from the overarching Avocado category strategy and through consultation with Australian Avocado SIAP
The launch campaign includes a traditional media mix designed to drive mass awareness of the new creative with the overarching objective of driving demand for the category
The hero talent in the TVC is well-known comedian Nazeem Hussain
PR where we Officially, Unofficially sponsor of one of the oldest bowlos in the country
The initial burst of activity is scheduled for May-June 2021 in line with the highest volume supply forecast
Australian Avocados brand campaign
Objective: To develop a campaign that emotionally connects with Australian consumers by leveraging the inherent love people have for avocados. By building brand love, we will help drive preference of Australian Avocados, grow unaided brand recall (awareness) and drive consideration, which will contribute to increasing the frequency of purchase. All of which are important when faced with a volume uplift of 30% YOY.
The integrated campaign will feature activity across television, out-of-home advertising, social media (Facebook & Instagram), digital advertising, and public relations, and will run until the end of June 2021.
The case for change
Whilst the Australian Avocados ‘Smash an Avo’ campaign has driven awareness of functional benefits (such as use and versatility), it is a creative articulation that somewhat limits distinctiveness, brand building and ongoing relevance.
Creative inspiration
They may not have been born in Australia, but we’ve made avocados our own.
They’re everywhere. At our cafés, our dinner parties, our restaurants and our taco trucks.
In fact, they’re so universal, they’ve almost become invisible. And we’ve forgotten how precious they are. Every mouthful is a premium. Every slice is golden. Every cube is a little treasure. To be artfully arranged in our sushi. Masterfully mashed on our toast. And divvied up democratically. (Or else.)
Isn’t it time that we reminded Australians of how much we love them?
That we celebrated their iconic status? They’re our national treasure.
Our Green Gold.
Creative idea
It’s green, it’s gold. It’s a national treasure. In order to celebrate the iconic status of the Avocado and elevate it beyond the plate and into culture. Let’s give the Avocado its rightful place. Officially… but actually unofficially.
Check out the 30-second and 15-second spots
Want to take a walk through the creative pitch? Click here to have a look!
Here’s what’s planned for outdoor and digital advertising
Mural take-over in Kings Cross, Sydney
PR campaign
The PR activity will see Australian Avocados ‘officially unofficially’ sponsor small community and/or sporting groups. In order to create a strong earned media moment and provide a springboard for our national call out for sponsorship, we will engage with one Australian green and gold institution to kick things off and bring the essence of the campaign to life.
By engaging with one community group/ team, we are providing an example of what an ‘official unofficial’ sponsorship looks like. Media are in need of an example to provide the call to action for involvement with context.
We have chosen a bowlo as it is an Aussie icon and the heart of many communities, which makes it a beacon for the types of small community and or sporting groups we are looking to receive sponsorship requests from.
The Bowlo we have chosen (Balmain bowling club) is based in Sydney but has great history in that it is the oldest in NSW. As the oldest Bowlo in NSW we are bolstering the angle of engaging with true Aussie institutions further. The club has also been hit by hard times in this past year, nearly closing its doors permanently following Covid closures.
Social
Program Objective: Having an online presence on any of our social media forums like Facebook or Instagram is a great way to interact with our audience and to really connect with them on a personal level.
Our content pillars have evolved based on the new campaign. These are:
Sponsors of Green Gold – Content that amplifies our platform and motivates community participation to build an emotional connection
Mastering Green Gold – Content that educates people about Australian avocados and their health & wellbeing benefits
Green Gold moments – Food and recipe content that inspires people to choose & use Australian Avocados more frequently
IGA merchandising competition: Go for Green Gold
In addition to this activity, to support the brand campaign from an in-store and consumer experience point of view, a merchandising competition across 1,400 IGA stores will run from 7th July for the period of 4 weeks. The activation will encourage IGA stores to create amazing displays in order to win a green gold avocado trophy.
Three new recipes on the Australian Avocados’ website (April)
The three new Luke Hines recipes showcase the season’s Shepard avocados.
Often the victim of ire and disdain online, the Shepard avocado gets a bad rap for its eternally green appearance and firmer flesh, but it turns out they’re just misunderstood, foodie Luke Hines tells Body+Soul.
It’s Shepard season in Woolworths (23 March)
Australian Avocados is continuing its 2021 Shepard promotion, working with Woolworths on this digital screen.
Leveraging MAFS! (19 March)
A participant in the extremely popular Married at First Sight, used this classic line in an episode aired on 17 March, 2021. What can we say, Beck Zemek, we couldn’t agree more.
It was an opportunity too good to miss, when Married at First Sight star Beck Zemek used the classic line “you’re not an avocado, not everyone likes you” when talking to another participant in an episode first aired on 17 March 2021.
Australian Avocados immediately took the opportunity to be involved in the conversation, commenting on the quote on the MAFS social media, and developing the above meme. (Click here to download, if you want to use it yourself.)
Woolworths promotes Shepard (4 March)
This month, Woolworths’ Shepard promotions have leveraged levy-funded content, as a result of retailer engagement work carried out by Avocados Australia Market Development Manager Hayleigh Dawson, in partnership with Hort Innovation.
“They need all the love they can get,” says cookbook author and shameless team Shepard devotee, Luke Hines. “Australia is the only place in the world where you can get a Shepard, and they’re only around for a couple of months. They should be celebrated.”
The teams at Australian Avocados and Avocados Australia have been getting the word out that plenty of delicious Shepard avocados are on their way to retail shelves. This piece ran on 7NEWS Brisbane news bulletin on Saturday, 27 February, and featured a range of growers.
Aldi promotes Shepard (24 February 2021)
Aldi’s special buys catalogue for the week of 24 February featured Australian Shepard avocados.
Shepard promotions are here! (22 February 2021)
Australian Avocados has started its Shepard seasons promotions with posts on Facebook and Instagram to help consumers tell when the greenskins are ripe. Activities to promote Shepards this season will include promotional panels near the point of purchase, radio spots, a PR campaign and more.
You can view the full Shepard marketing plan from Australian Avocados in the BPR Library (you will need to log in to view this report). The BPR is an online one-stop-shop focusing on best practice to improve the quality of avocados provided to consumers. Avocados Australia welcomes new applications for the Best Practice Resource from all businesses that are part of the Australian avocado industry.
Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and Australian Avocados is using its social media channels to provide some recipe inspiration for the celebrations. Check out this Yu Sheng salad on Facebook.
Chinese New Year is around the corner! From Feb 12th it will be the year of the Ox and we think this colourful Yu Sheng…
The Australian Avocados shopping centre promotions have been spotted in the wild by Avocados Australia staff today. This shot is of an electronic advertising board in the Maroochydore Sunshine Plaza, in Queensland. This sign is above the escalators moving between floors.
Dessert with Adam Liaw (20 January 2021)
Celebrity chef Adam Liaw is encouraging our avo loving consumers to step up their dessert game with his avocado, lime and macadamia pie. There’s even a blow torch involved! Check out the video and recipe here.
Chef Adam Liaw’s avocado, lime and macadamia meringue pie
New video with Adam Liaw (13 January 2021)
A partnership with well-known television presenter, author and cook Adam Liaw will help provide inspiration and drive preference for Australian avocados, through engaging content. Adam is producing six video recipes, including an avocado seaweed salad with sesame and onion dressing. Adam, who specialises in Asian home cooking, has 230,000 followers on Instagram and is a regular columnist for goodfood, Sunday Life and the Guardian Australia.
Adam Liaw prepares an avocado seaweed salad for Australian Avocados
Australian Avocados has an “always on” approach to social media. In the current marketing plan, the goal is to drive preference for Australian Avocados through communicating the value of buying local. The various posts on Facebook and Instagram aim to:
inspire new avocado occasions
educate Australians on how to choose and use avocados
Call for expressions of interest to join the new AS18000 crop advisory group
The Australian National Tree Crop Intensification in Horticulture project (AS18000) has officially started. The overall long-term goal of the project is to increase productivity and profitability of five tree crops grown in Australia, including avocados, by developing and demonstrating intensive production systems. The other tree crops included are almond, mango, citrus, and macadamia.
The avocado project team is currently requesting expressions of interest from growers who would like to become additional members of the new Crop Reference Group. This group will meet twice a year and provide valuable grower insight, direction and feedback on the practical management issues of the trial and its progress.
If you are interested in joining the avocado crop reference group, please submit your expression of interest to bridie.carr@daf.qld.gov.au (0436 675 740) or john.wilkie@daf.qld.gov.au (0402 390 885) by Friday, 20 November.
Hort Innovation have prepared a ‘terms of reference’ document which can be accessed here for more information.
Acknowledgement
The National Tree Crop Intensification in Horticulture project (avocado, macadamia and mango) (AS18000) is funded by the Hort Frontiers Advanced Production Systems, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture (DAF), The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland (UQ), the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and contributions from the Australian Government.
The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) continues to be a targeted, temporary emergency measure and businesses should use this time to adjust to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the International Air Transport Association reporting that air travel is unlikely to return to pre-COVID conditions until 2024, it is more important than ever that Australian businesses in all states and territories review their operating models.
International Freight Co-Ordinator General, Michael Byrne, suggests businesses should consider the following:
Aggregate and consolidate – While it may seem counterintuitive under normal conditions, with COVID-19 still impacting flights, businesses need to work together with other exporters and freight forwarders to consolidate loads. By doing so, businesses may be able to access lower rates for loading, packing, warehousing and transport.
Deal in facts – Build an understanding of the realities of the situation. For example, you can’t land very large planes in Hobart (due to restrictions around capacity of tarmac, loading, apron), so chartering a large plane to Hobart to move Tasmanian produce internationally is not likely. Consider new options for how you could get your goods where they need to go. IFAM is always open to hearing your ideas but be realistic about what can be achieved.
Plan – Businesses must do extensive planning now more than ever. With flight numbers down approximately 75% from last year and freight capacity filling up weeks in advance, it is no longer feasible to book freight on the same day you’re intending to ship. Businesses need to be forward planning their freight movements and business operations.
Adjust and evolve – Use this time to adjust, look at the structure of your business, your product and your supply chains. For example, are there insufficiencies in your supply chain? Can you re-negotiate third-party contracts? Change your packaging? Export by sea rather than air? Use this breathing space to plan for your long-term financial profitability.
IFAM is working across all levels of government to provide information on support options to help businesses modify supply chains and explore other freight solutions.
For more information on business support options, visit business.gov.au.
This article was provided for the Guacamole of 13 November 2020.
Are you chasing information on growing an avocado tree in your backyard, or caring for a tree you already have?
As the administrative office for the commercial avocado industry in Australia, we are limited in being able to provide advice for backyard growing.
Our best recommendation in all circumstances is to make contact with a tropical fruit specialist/nursery in your area that may be able to provide some tips and advice that are best suited to your local situation. However, we have collated some useful public resources that might help.
(Hot tip if you are new commercial grower – head over to the Best Practice Resource and register for access.)
Have you been inspired by @leafy.lane (AKA Brad Canning) on Instagram to grow your own avocado tree indoors for fun? You can find his avo growing videos on YouTube:
Brad’s Insta story is here (link may expire…check the YouTube videos below!)
Please note, if you are growing your avocado tree in a pot (particularly indoors) it may never produce fruit. These articles may be of some assistance:
if you are in Western Australia, read this article from the Albany Advertiser
trying your hand at avo growing in Tasmania? One of our commercial growers provided some handy tips for backyard growers in this article and you read more in the Tasmanian Times too
and if you are in the Canberra or similarly cold area, check out this article from the Canberra Times: click here.
In Australia, most commercial avocado trees are Hass, followed by Shepard. There are a large number of other varieties present in Australia, but they make up only a small portion of the national orchard.
It can be quite hard to determine variety, as this may not have even been known at the time of planting if you’ve got your seed or plant from a friend. If planted from seed, there is a chance the seed was from a cross-pollinated fruit (eg Hass and Fuerte).
However, if you have the tree, there is a handy Avocado Variety Identifier online here – that includes images of the leaves, fruit and seed for the main varieties. You should be able to narrow it down with all three to hand. There are also other resources here, again more aimed at commercial growers, which might help you care for your tree.
This US resource (from the University of California) has a broader range of varieties: click here.
This video from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is aimed at commercial producers, but might provide a starting point for your backyard planting: click here. QDAF also has a useful page of tips online here.
Avocados are an interesting tree, and the various varieties are either Type A or Type B. While avocado trees can self-pollinate, the avocado flower opens in two stages with the male and female flower parts opening at different times of the day, depending on if they are Type A or Type B. If your tree is flowering but you aren’t getting fruit on your backyard tree, you may need a second tree of the alternate type. Check the Avocado Variety Identifier online here.
Your options for canopy management can range from a light pruning, all the way through to staghorning (that is, cutting the trees back to a stump!). Knowing what is best for your tree and when it should happen requires advice from a local expert. You should also ask them about post-pruning care, to ensure your tree has many more productive years ahead.
You can find some general information here:
NSW DPI click here (PDF link – this is a resource for commercial growers, your circumstances as a home grower will vary)
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden click here (note: this is a US video).
Avocado trees can be troubled by a number of pests and diseases, and also require good nutrition and irrigation. You can find a range of information to help online here.
A significant issue for avocados in Australia (and elsewhere) is Phytophthora root rot. This blog post from the University of California will help you with identification: click here.
Avocados don’t actually ripen until they are picked. Commercial growers carry out a dry matter test to help them determine when to harvest. However, for you as a backyard grower, we suggest picking an avocado and letting it ripen on the bench. If it has a good texture and decent flavour, you are right to go.
In our annual Facts at a Glance, we include a chart of supply periods by region. This may help you narrow down your own harvest window, if your tree is in one of our eight growing regions. Click here for the most recent edition.
