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Learn more and sign up for Hort IQ on the Hort Innovation website

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

New Shepard Avocado recipes are a hit on socials!

Have you seen the new Shepard Avocado recipes on Australian Avocados socials?

Partnering with influencers and well-known chefs, Australian avocados have launched a number of new and inspiring avocado toast variations and a delicious salsa verde,

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Employing International Workers

Work Visa Options – Employing skilled international workers

Problem: Are you struggling to attract or retain skilled workers?
Solution: Consider benefiting from overseas trained candidates.

Considering work visa options to benefit regional farmers as employers

As a regional based employer operating within the farming industry, many employers face particular challenges in attracting and retaining suitable and appropriately skilled staff members on a long-term basis.

Unfortunately, there is a skill shortage within our industry (including technical trade skills relevant to farming businesses) and it is difficult to keep good workers long-term from within the local labour market.

A potentially ‘game-changing solution’ for this problem is to consider employing overseas nationals who are highly motivated to gain employment locally, especially when that opportunity supports short and long-term options to live and work in Australia. Through an employer sponsorship, visa holders typically remain long-term in employment, not only to comply with temporary work visa conditions, but also to ultimately secure future permanent residence on this basis.

A great investment in long-term skilled staffing

Although there are government fees and levies and also the cost for legal representation associated with sponsorship, these expenses would typically be deemed business related outlays and therefore likely tax-deductible (seek independent tax advice).Importantly, it provides you with workforce solutions to give you a competitive advantage within an industry that has a dire shortage of suitably skilled workers.

The cost for the relevant applications to be lodged with the Department of Immigration is often a relatively small price to pay when compared to the benefits of long-term stable employment. The reality is that also when sourcing candidates from the local labour market there are still very significant costs associated with advertising/ screening/ training of local staff – who may not stay in the role long-term.

Relative quick processing for temporary visas, to later stay on long-term

Although it is in principle possible to nominate an overseas worker for a permanent visa at first instance, in almost all cases such employees start off on a temporary visa and then later on convert that status to a longer-term solution. This also allows the Australian employer to first test the suitability and dependability for an employee before committing to a long-term sponsorship.

Sourcing local worker vs. overseas nationals

While sourcing local labour is naturally the first preference for agricultural businesses, several systemic and operational factors make overseas trained skilled workers an increasingly attractive—and sometimes essential—option.

The global agricultural landscape, (but in particular agriculture in Australia) faces a “perfect storm” of aging populations, rapid technological advancement, and shifting career aspirations among local youth.

1. Addressing the “Local Skills Gap”
There is a common misconception that farming only requires manual labour. Modern agriculture is highly technical, and local markets often lack candidates with specific expertise.
• Specialized Technical Knowledge: Overseas workers often come from regions that specialize in specific high-tech areas, such as precision irrigation, advanced hydroponics, or automated greenhouse management.
• Ready-to-Go Expertise: Hiring an overseas worker who is already trained in a specific niche (e.g., large-scale agronomy or veterinary surgery for intensive livestock) can save the business significant training time (often 12-24 months) compared to developing a local recruit from scratch.

2. Workforce Reliability and Continuity
Local labour markets in developed nations often see agriculture as “transitional” work rather than a career.
• Higher Retention Rates: Skilled workers on specific visa programs (like the Temporary Skill Shortage or Regional Sponsored visas) are often more committed to the role because their legal status is tied to their employment. This reduces the high turnover costs associated with local “job-hopping.”
• Filling Remote Vacancies: Local workers often prefer urban centres with more amenities. Overseas workers are frequently more willing to relocate to remote or regional areas where the farms are actually located.

3. Global Knowledge Transfer
Bringing in someone trained in a different country can act as a catalyst for innovation on a local farm.
• Innovative Practices: A worker from an international market might bring more efficient harvesting techniques or pest management strategies that haven’t yet become standard in the local region.
• Bilingual Advantage: As agricultural supply chains become global, having staff who speak the language of export markets (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, or Arabic) can be a massive asset for business expansion.

4. The “Demographic Dividend”
Many developed nations are facing an aging workforce. In contrast, many overseas labour pools (particularly in developing nations) have a much younger grouping.
• Physical Longevity: Skilled agricultural work is usually physically demanding. Accessing younger, highly trained populations from abroad ensures the business has a workforce that can sustain high-intensity operations over a multi-year period.
• Tech-Native Workers: Younger overseas professionals are often “digital natives” who can more easily adapt to the AI-driven machinery and drone technology becoming standard in 2026.

5. Economic Resilience
While the upfront costs of sponsorship and relocation are higher, the long-term ROI is often superior.
• Mitigating Crop Loss: The cost of an empty skilled position during a harvest window is far higher than the cost of sponsoring a foreign worker.
• Strategic Growth: With a stable, skilled workforce, farm owners can step away from daily manual tasks to focus on business strategy, scaling, and entering new markets.

How to assess if a candidate is suitable/ will qualify for a visa?

Teleo Immigration Lawyers are available to assist employers in assessing candidate suitability, navigating visa requirements, and identifying appropriate visa pathways based on individual circumstances. If you have identified a possible suitable candidate that you may wish to retain or offer employment for, my recommendation is that if you please provide us with the following information, to allow for an assessment:

a) Passport information page & permission to undertake a VEVO check;
b) Updated resume;
c) Information regarding family unit members/ partner or children included as secondary applicants and any previous visa refusals or cancellations/ health or character concerns
d) Position description and salary to be offered/ ideal start date for employment

Below is a framework for different visa options and potential visa pathways to retain both short-term and long-term employment:

Standard ‘highly skilled’ commercial employment options:

1. The ‘standard’ temporary work visa for Australia is the subclass 482 visa -which can be requested for 1-4 years. This option is for highly skilled workers that must be commercially viable to earn $76,515 plus superannuation (to show market rate salary compared to what an Australian with the same skills would earn)

2. The ‘standard’ permanent work visa is the subclass 186 – typically accessed subsequent to 2 years employment for a work a subclass 482 visa (see other access options below). Some candidates may also qualify under the direct entry stream.

Regional employer specific visa options:

1. PALM visa – subclass 403
2. Australian Agricultural visa (to likely be reinstated)
3. DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreements
4. Subclass 494 – Designated regional area (employer-sponsored) provisional work visa

‘Pathway visas’ or miscellaneous alternatives:

1. Working holiday visa – subclass 417/ 462 (only available to nationals from certain countries, for example European countries, Canada, USA, Korea etc).
2. Training visa – subclass 407
3. Temporary activity visa – subclass 408 – please make enquiries if you require additional information
4. Student visa – subclass 500 – please make enquiries if you require additional information
5. Partner visa – subclass 820/ 801 – please make enquiries if you require additional information

This article was contributed by Dr Etienne de Villiers Hugo of Teleo Immigration Lawyers.

Further information

For further information, or to access member benefits including free initial consultations for AAL members, please visit 🔗 Member Benefits – Teleo Immigration Lawyers.

Teleo Immigration Lawyers can also be contacted directly for tailored advice regarding employer sponsorship and visa pathways.
📞 (02) 8080 3840
🔗 www.teleo.com.au

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Listen to our new podcast: AvoChat – Global

Tune in, follow along, go global!

We’re excited to launch AvoChat – Global, a podcast series that shares insights from key international markets and foodservice leaders and explores the growing global opportunity for Australian avocados.

From ripeness and quality to supply consistency and market demand, these are the conversations shaping the future of Australian avocados globally.

Episode 1: Chef Jack Jarrott – Chef de Cuisine at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

According to Chef Jack Jarrot, Australian avocados stand out in UAE restaurant kitchens.

“When they say they’re ripe, they’re ripe… It’s hard to find a breakfast menu in the UAE that doesn’t contain avocados,” Jack says.

“The most important aspect that my guests value is perceived value… Guests have to understand that what they’re paying for is what they’re getting… and they don’t want to feel ripped off”.

Tune in to this episode to hear Jack’s unique perspective on the role of avocados on UAE fine dining menus, and what opportunities this market segment represents for Australian avocados.

Episode 2: Ebby Loo – Managing Director of Euro-Atlantic Group in Malaysia

What do chefs in Abu Dhabi and importers in Malaysia really look for in avocados?

In episode 2 of AvoChat, Ebby answers this and much more, drawing from decades of experience in the fresh produce import and foodservice sector.

From the smoothies and healthy bowls of breakfast menus to fine dining experiences, she explains how avocados have evolved from a niche fruit to a mainstream ingredient in Malaysia.

“We even look forward to the day when nasi lemak might have avocado replacing the egg,” Ebby said.

She also shares practical advice for Australian growers and exporters looking to build long-term relationships in Southeast Asia and succeed in foodservice markets.

Where to find the AvoChat – Global podcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify
▶️ Listen on YouTube

Don’t forget to follow the series – more markets and insights coming soon!

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Singapore celebrates Mum with Australian avo-themed menus

Avo’ Happy Mother’s Day with love from Singapore!

Like Mum’s limitless love (and her uncanny ability to know when you’re hungry), Australian Avocados are always there when you need them – fresh, versatile, and delicious any time of year.

This May, in celebration of Mother’s Day, six beloved cafés and restaurants across Singapore pay tribute to mum with a month-long showcase from 1 to 31 May, featuring playful and creative Australian Avocado-themed menus — because nothing says “I love you, mum” quite like a nourishing meal at the table.

Flora Zhang, General Manager (Export) at Avocados Australia is looking forward to seeing the new menus launch.

“We’re very excited to be bringing this programme to Singapore for the first time, especially around Mother’s Day, an occasion that is celebrated with family time around the table,” Flora said.

“Australian Avocados are an easy fit any time of the day — they’re delicious, packed full of goodness and work just as well in simple, everyday dishes as they do in more creative plates.”

Dining hotspots serve up the Australian avo love

Across Singapore, six of the hottest cafés and restaurants show their love for Mum with Australian avocado-themed menus running from 1 to 31 May. Diners can enjoy mouth-watering starters (or something to sip), mains, and desserts thoughtfully crafted to champion this much-loved fruit. From light and bright to rich and indulgent plates, every dish showcases the versatility of Australian Avocados in its own delicious way.

What’s on the menu?

Australian Avocados will be served up at participating restaurants and cafés, highlighted across savoury and sweet creations:

Binge’s Avo Kryptonite leans into comfort with an Australian avocado hummus sandwich paired with a bright Asian salad, sautéed mushrooms and grilled halloumi. (See @hey_binge on Instagram).

At Jimmy Monkey, The Hulk brings together smashed Australian avocado, feta and housemade Dukkah on toasted sourdough for a deeply satisfying, nourishing main.

Boomarang Bistro & Bar’s wholesome Soy Glazed Chicken & Avocado Bowl layers Australian avocado, tomatoes, spinach and crispy shallots over a bed of quinoa.

For a sweet finish, Frankie & Fern’s showcases the versatility of the Australian avocado with their Avocado and Vanilla Brûlée, a creamy, vanilla-infused Australian avocado and mascarpone custard, concealed beneath a burnished sugar crust.

While Australian avocados lend a silky richness and body to Café Melba’s vegan Avo Chocolate Mousse with chocolate crumbs and mixed berries.

And at Flamingo, the Avo-Press proves the perfect indulgent treat with their own lime-infused housemade avocado ‘Kaya’ anointed with a double shot of espresso for good measure.

Each venue brings its own personality to the table — but the hero remains the same: Australian Avocados, celebrated for their unrivalled and distinctive quality.

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Quality monitoring in Kuala Lumpur

Avo quality monitoring is underway in Kuala Lumpur!

Weekly quality monitoring is now underway in Kuala Lumpur as part of the Avocado International Retail Quality Benchmarking project (AV24015) to benchmark Australian avocado quality against competitor countries in the key export markets of Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

During a recent visit, the project team trained local samplers in the correct procedures for collecting, handling and assessing avocados, before overseeing the first round of collections and assessments.

Pictured: AHR project staff performing in-store and firmness assessment training.

These samplers will now conduct weekly quality monitoring in Kuala Lumpur supermarkets as part of this comprehensive two-year benchmarking program.

The project team also met with key retailers, including representatives from Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, and AEON. These meetings provided an opportunity to introduce the project and share the strong quality results observed to date.

Throughout the life of the project, the team will continue to engage with key retailers across both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, sharing quality results and working collaboratively to identify strategies to improve the performance of exported Australian avocados.

Pictured: Project team meeting with Village Grocer staff.

Exported Shepard quality remains high

Australian Shepard avocados in Hong Kong have maintained strong quality throughout April, with all 9 samples having 100% acceptable fruit (fewer than 10% internal defects).

Sampling of Australian Shepard avocados began in Kuala Lumpur on 14 April 2026, with results to be shared with the relevant exporters shortly. As more samples are collected across both markets, future articles will discuss any quality differences observed between them.

Quality of Australian Shepard avocados at retail in Hong Kong

Quality monitoring will continue in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, with four samples collected weekly from major retailers in each city. Project progress will continue to be shared via monthly Guacamole summaries and Talking Avocados articles and presented at regional forums and webinars.

More information

For further details email Henry Hyde or Adam Goldwater at AHR.

Acknowledgements

The project Avocado International Retail Quality Benchmarking (AV24015) 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 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Australian Avocados in the spotlight at Fresh Produce India

Australian Avocados bring premium culinary experience to Mumbai with School of European Pastry

Australian avocados were in the spotlight at this year’s Fresh Produce India conference, in an exclusive culinary collaboration with the School of European Pastry.

The experience featured a specially curated five-course menu by Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director, School of European Pastry, designed to showcase the versatility of Australian avocados across formats, textures, and cuisines.

From fresh and light combinations such as mango, apple and nori crisp, to more indulgent creations like avocado mousse with compressed watermelon, avocado tempura chaat, and avocado-based desserts, each course highlighted the distinct applications of the ingredient across everyday and contemporary formats.

India: a high-growth priority market for Australian Avocados

India represents a priority market for Australian Avocados, with the focus firmly on building long-term trade partnerships across the value chain, from importers and distributors to retail and foodservice.

This trade-led approach is supported by growing consumer awareness, driven by increasing exposure to global food culture and a stronger focus on health and nutrition. According to recent trade data, India imported over 20,358 tonnes of avocados in the 12 months to December 2025, with imports between July and December 2025 rising 127 per cent compared to the same period the previous year, reflecting strong and accelerating market demand.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Duncan Wells, Western Australia Director for Australian Avocados, said:

“India is one of the most exciting growth markets for Australian avocados. The scale of demand growth over the past year alone speaks to how rapidly consumer appetite is shifting here.

“Building a meaningful, long-term presence in this market means working closely with the right partners to ensure the product reaches consumers consistently and at the quality they expect.

“Engagements like this plays an important role in that journey, bringing the product to life for the industry professionals who shape how and where it is adopted.”

Pictured: Left – Antony Allen, CEO at The Avolution, Troy Miller, Trade & Investment Commissioner at Austrade, and Duncan Wells, WA Director at Avocados Australia. Right – Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director, School for European Pastry

An exciting, versatile ingredient for contemporary menus

Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director, School for European Pastry said:

“Australian avocados are a genuinely exciting ingredient to work with professionally. The quality is consistent and the texture holds remarkably well across different applications, whether you are compressing it, blending it into a mousse, or using it as a base for a frozen dessert.

“What I wanted to show through this menu is that this is not a one-trick ingredient. It belongs across the entire meal, from the first course to the last and it fits naturally into the kind of contemporary, technique-driven cooking that chefs and food professionals in India are increasingly excited about.”

This initiative marks an important step in Australian Avocados’ approach to developing the category in India, combining trade engagement with real, application-led experiences that bring the product closer to how it is used in kitchens and menus.

As more consumers discover its versatility across formats, from everyday meals to more contemporary preparations, Australian avocados are becoming an increasingly relevant ingredient in Indian kitchens.

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Varroa mite resistance detected in NSW and QLD

The following national talking points were distributed by the Australian Government on 21 April, 2026.

Key points

Amitraz resistance in varroa mites has been confirmed in New South Wales and Queensland.
This resistance was detected in the same apiaries that were found with Pyrethroid resistant mites in January 2026.
Analysis has confirmed that this s a second varroa mite incursion into Australia, which has introduced the genetic resistance to pyrethroid and amitraz-based treatments.
Resistant mites appear to be spreading through the trade of bees and proximity to affected apiaries. The resistance has been recorded from parts of central and northern NSW and southern QLD, and it is likely that additional areas are impacted.
Both NSW and QLD primary industry departments are contacting registered beekeepers to provide more information and advice.
If miticide resistance in varroa mites becomes widespread, apiarists will lose key control tools, and there becomes an increased risk of high mite loads and colony losses.

More information is available on the Outbreak – Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases website, including links to the relevant government and industry websites.

What we know

In January (2026) the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) collected varroa mites from a small number of apiaries in northern NSW following a suspected treatment failure. The resistance was to pyrethroid in Varroa destructor. This was the first time pyrethroid resistance had been detected in Australia’s varroa mite population.
Genetic testing confirmed the resistance, known as
After identifying links from the case in NSW to QLD both states have worked together to identify a second version of pyrethroid resistance called Both versions of resistance are confirmed to occur in both NSW and QLD.
Further genetic analysis has now shown that the mites in these apiaries are also resistant to synthetic miticide products containing the active ingredient Amitraz (Apitraz, Apivar) which have a different mode of action to synthetic pyrethroids
Research conducted at the NSW Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute has also indicated that the resistant mites are associated with a more recent incursion of Varroa destructor – separate from those first detected in 2022.
Testing is also underway to identify if there is an endemic or exotic virus in the resistant mite population. So far, the hives tested have not shown any presence of any exotic viruses.
Varroa destructor was first detected in NSW in June 2022 prompting a nationally coordinated and cost‑shared eradication program. In September 2023, the National Management Group agreed on advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests and confirmed that eradication was no longer feasible.
A nationally coordinated and cost-shared transition to management program ran for two years with the aim of slowing the spread of varroa mite, and to allow industry to adopt management practices. This program concluded in February 2026.
Varroa destructor has since been detected in QLD, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. However, NSW and QLD are currently the only two jurisdictions experiencing treatment resistance.
States and territories will continue to manage varroa mite with resources deployed under the transition to management program, which support best practice management, including in newly affected areas. These free resources are available on the National Varroa Mite Management Program’s website.

What Government is doing

The resistance to both major synthetic treatment groups has been communicated to beekeepers in both Queensland and New South Wales through their department of primary industries.
Bee Biosecurity Officers are working with impacted beekeepers to help assess their individual situations and facilitate the collection of mites for further testing. This testing will help us get a better understanding of the distribution of this resistance in the varroa mite population.
The ongoing work by the states, territories and the Australian Government is being delivered through the National Bee Biosecurity Program and the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program.
The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests convened on 16 April, 2026 to discuss the current situation and share information with the other jurisdictions and affected industries. At this meeting, members agreed that the resistant mite populations cannot be eradicated. This is due to: Varroa destructor being geographically widespread; cannot be contained, and, the pathway for the new incursion is not known.
These recommendations will be put to the National Management Group for decision.

What you can do

Resistance in varroa mite populations can arise quickly, particularly when they are repeatedly exposed to synthetic miticides such as Bayvarol, Apistan, Apitraz and Apivar.
If we have fewer available effective control options, mite levels in colonies can rise leading to increased stress on hives and higher rates of colony decline or mortality.
Monitor your mite numbers before, during and after miticide treatments. Reach out for help from your primary industries department if you suspect treatment failure.
If you suspect that resistance-carrying mites are in your area and you treat with pyrethroid or amitraz products, check colonies when they reach mid-treatment to detect potential treatment failure early.
Beekeepers should follow best practice in the management of varroa mite including the adoption of integrated pest management strategies, including rotation of chemical with different modes of action and ensuring that label and permit conditions are strictly followed. Use “organic” and non-chemical varroa control methods where practical to reduce the use of “synthetic” chemical treatments.
Practice swarm control to reduce feral honey bee sources of mite reinfestation and spread.
Ensuring that best practice is followed will help to slow the spread and development of miticide resistant varroa.
If beekeepers suspect treatment failure in any state or territory, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. This will put you in touch with your department of primary industries where someone can help you to assess the situation and provide further advice.

Find out more

Beekeepers can access free resources and information about managing varroa mite at the National Varroa Mite Management Program website.

This site also has links to varroa information from each state and territory, including reporting options.

The BeeAware website also has a range of information and resources for beekeepers.

This article appears as part of the 24 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

NQ Climate Outlook Report

Seasonal Climate Outlook for North Queensland (April report) now available

The Seasonal Climate Outlook for Tropical North Queensland (April 2026) is now available – provided by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. This resource offers insights to support growers, advisors, and industry stakeholders with seasonal planning and risk management.

Prepared by Prof Roger Stone and Dr Christa Pudmenzky, the outlook reviews a range of established and emerging climate forecasting systems and highlights several key climate signals, including:

Rainfall probabilities for April to June are mixed across the region, with close to average conditions expected for areas such as Innisfail and Proserpine, and above-average rainfall probabilities indicated for Mareeba.
The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) remains in a positive phase, supporting rainfall activity, although values are expected to ease as we move through autumn.
Longer-term outlooks continue to indicate a potential shift toward drier conditions into winter, with some models suggesting the possible development of El Niño conditions later in the year.

Growers and industry partners can review the full report HERE and consider how seasonal climate signals may inform planning for the months ahead.

🔗 For more information on the TNQ Drought Hub visit www.tnqdroughthub.com.au
📩 To subscribe to the TNQ Hub Newsletter click HERE

This article appears as part of the 10 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

CQ Paddock to Plate

Central QLD Paddock to Port event rescheduled to September

Central Queensland growers and packers are advised that the Paddock to Port Regional Forum in Bundaberg has been rescheduled.

Originally planned for 23 April 2026 – the event will now be held on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The change follows feedback from industry, with growers and packers indicating that the original timing during the harvest period would make attendance difficult. The new date has been selected to better support participation and ensure strong industry engagement.

Updated event details:

📅 New date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
📍 Location: Burnett Riverside Hotel, Bundaberg
⏰ Time: 4:30 pm Start (Arrive 4:15 pm) to 7:30 pm

👉 Register for revised date: HERE

The forum will deliver valuable insights across the avocado supply chain — from orchard practices through to export markets — with a focus on fruit quality, supply chain performance and market opportunities.

The North QLD Paddock to Port Regional Forum is also being rescheduled. The updated information for this event will also be communicated shortly.

This article appears as part of the 10 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.