Strong Industries Survey – Help strengthen our industry

 

The Capability Based Horticulture Leadership Strategy Project (HA24003) is encouraging Australian avocado industry stakeholders to complete their “Strong Industries Survey” which aims to inform the Capability Based Horticulture Leadership Strategy. The strategy will guide and support future leadership development and pathways in order to build “strong industries”.

This project is funded by Hort Innovation, with matched funding from the Australian Government. It’s really about futureproofing leadership for the Australian horticulture sector.

The survey is quick and easy and the project team is hoping to gain input from as many people as possible across our industry.  It takes 6 mins to complete.

GO TO THE SURVEY HERE    

CONTACT:     Jo Eady, Project Officer, Phone 0419 912 879

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Women & Leadership Australia 0ffering partial scholarships

 

Women & Leadership Australia are offering partial scholarships of $700 – $3000 to help women working in the Farming and Agriculture Sector to participate in leadership courses. Courses are available for women at all levels.

Applications close Friday 24 October 2025, unless allocated earlier.  Choose from four career-aligned programs:

  • Impact Program ($700 scholarship): Build essential communication and interpersonal skills to support career progression (suitable for all levels).
  • Leading Edge Program ($1,000 scholarship): Establish a strong leadership foundation for those early in their leadership journey or preparing for leadership roles.
  • Executive Ready Program ($2,000 scholarship): Lead teams effectively and strategically at the mid-to-senior level.
  • Advanced Leadership Program – ($3,000 scholarship): Drive meaningful change and elevate your leadership influence at the executive level.

Lodge your expression of interest here

Enquire now to learn more, or share with a colleague who may benefit from this opportunity.

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Avocados Australia welcomes Parth Shinde

 

This week Parth Shinde commenced work at Avocados Australia as our new data analyst. He will be responsible for Avocados Australia’s data management capabilities as part of the Avocado industry supply and trade data capture and analysis 2023-2028 project (AV22016), a Hort Innovation funded project delivering high quality industry data to the Australian avocado supply chain aimed at guiding the industry and supporting business decision making.

Parth began his career in Data and analytics in 2017 after completing his Computer Engineering degree in India. Later he completed a master’s degree in data science at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdon. He has worked for companies such as leading technology, insurance, and healthcare firms.

You can contact Parth by emailing data@avocado.org.au or calling 07 3846 6566.

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Tristate PGR Practical Workshops NEXT WEEK – REGISTER NOW!

 

Growers, Register Now!

Join the AV23010 project team for a practical plant growth regulator workshop. The workshop will be delivered across three Tristate locations: Mildura, Renmark and Waikerie. Due to limited spots and the hands-on nature of the workshop, growers should register now if they haven’t done so already!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Designed to support improved PGR use for optimal results, this grower-focused session invites you to bring your own observations and questions. You’ll learn how to time PGR applications by observing key tree phenological stages like flowering and spring flush. The session will be a practical, in-orchard discussion blending technical insights with grower experiences.

WHERE & WHEN

Mildura: Trentham Fresh – Wednesday 1st October | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Renmark: Orchard TBC* – Thursday 2nd October | 9:30am – 10:30am
Waikerie: Orchard TBC* – Thursday 2nd October | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
* Exact locations will be confirmed with registered participants the day prior.

REGISTER NOW HERE

CONTACT:      Steven Falivene | 0427 208 611 or steven.falivene@dpi.nsw.gov.au

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

LUNCH & LEARN Webinar Irrigation Series – Videos of all 3 Episodes on BPR!

 

The Lunch & Learn Webinar Irrigation Series has now been completed and the recordings are now available in the Best Practice Resource (BPR) Library. This three-part series covers key aspects of irrigation management and includes the latest episode, which has just been uploaded.

On behalf of the AV23010 project team, we would like to extend a formal thank you to Kelvin Montagu and Liam Southam-Rogers from Applied Horticulture Research for their outstanding contribution in leading the irrigation workshops and webinars. Their expertise and commitment have been invaluable in delivering this series.

All 3 Episodes of the fundamentals of avocado irrigation series covering ‘Framework for Irrigation’, ‘Crop Water Use’, and ‘Water Balance Models’ can be accessed by clicking HERE – log in then look under “Videos” or “Event Proceedings”.

You can access the relevant irrigation resources on the BPR & here: Weekly Irrigation Runtime Forecast | IrriSAT Guide

 

CONTACT:
For more info: 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 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Grower Extension events in October!

 

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

REGISTER NOW! DON’T MISS OUT!

1 Oct – Tristate Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) Practical Workshop, Mildura | REGISTER NOW
2 Oct – Tristate PGRs Practical Workshop, Renmark | REGISTER NOW
2 Oct – Tristate PGRs Practical Workshop, Waikerie | REGISTER NOW
15 Oct – South QLD Sprayer Workshop, Crows Nest | MORE INFO

 

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 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Bringing Avo-Can-Do to Life with Tom Walton and Sarah Brown

 

Australian Avocados is teaming up with popular content creators Tom Walton and Sarah Brown to bring our bold new brand platform, Avo-Can-Do So Can You, to life through engaging, avocado-led recipe content.

Known for their fresh, feel-good creations, Tom and Sarah are inspiring Australians to embrace the delicious and nutritious versatility of avocados – whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their content will highlight how Australian Avocados can fuel a can-do attitude and help people feel their best, one meal at a time.

From breakfast toasties to hearty nourish bowls, the duo’s recipes are designed to spark joy, entertain, and make people think, “I could do that!”

Check out their latest Instagram posts here: POST #1 | POST #2 | POST #3

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Green Skin Avocados steps into the spotlight at Queensland’s Export Awards

 

An interview with Green Skin Avocados Directors Robert Gray and Treena Welch…

……………………………………

Guacamole’s Editor (Guac): Congratulations on being named finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards. What does this milestone mean for Green Skin Avocados and the wider industry?

Robert Gray (RG): Thank you! For us, this recognition is not just about our business, but about Australian avocados having a rightful place on the global stage. Exporting premium fruit is still relatively new in our industry, and being named a finalist proves that Australian-grown avocados can compete and lead internationally.

 Guac: How significant is it to have avocados represented in these awards?

Treena Welch (TW): Oh, it’s really exciting! Avocados aren’t always seen as an iconic Australian export, but they should be. Not only do we market Hass, but Queensland is the only place in the world that grows Shepard, and we are the only business in the world with GMax®.  Being finalists shines a spotlight on our growers, packers, and partners, and proves avocados deserve their place on the export awards map.

Guac: What has driven your export growth so far?

RG: Since starting exports in 2022, they have grown to nearly 40% of our business. Partnering directly with leading retailers in Asia ensures consistent quality, reliable supply and strong brand support. This model is winning with both retailers and consumers.

 

Guac: What does “best practice” look like for your business?

TW: For us, best practice is about obsession with detail and joy in the result. We are hands-on with every step: maturity testing, temperature tracking, and educating retailers and consumers. Our Ripe Button® system is a great example. I love it because it gives shoppers a little “aha” moment at shelf and at home. They press, they smile, they trust. That is how you build a category people come back to again and again.

Guac: How does this benefit Australian growers?

RG: Export growth strengthens the industry by creating stable returns and reducing reliance on the domestic market. By showing up 365 days a year with our 52 week offering of consistent, high-quality fruit, we build trust, lift consumption and deliver more profitable returns, while sustaining both farms and families long term.

 Guac: And looking ahead?

TW: We are just getting started. Our goal is to lift exports to over 50 percent by 2030, opening markets like Canada, Japan, Thailand and hopefully China. But it is never just about volume. Every avocado carries our growers’ story, and our mission is to make people fall in love with that story and our fruit, predictably perfect avocados every time.

The winners of the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards will be announced at the gala dinner on 10 October. For Robert and Treena, simply being named finalists has already been a milestone moment, but both agree the real win is showcasing what Australian avocados can achieve on the world stage.

“Whatever the outcome on the night, we are proud to be flying the flag for Queensland growers and proving that our avocados deserve global recognition,” says Treena with a smile.

“It is a celebration of how far the industry has come, and a reminder that the best is yet to be” adds Robert.

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Only 2 weeks to North Queensland show days…

Only 2 weeks to North Queensland show days…

Growers, families and staff — the countdown is on! With just two weeks to go, the North Queensland Avocado & Hort Industry ‘Show Days’ in Tolga is shaping up to be an event like no other.

📅 Dates: Thursday 9 October & Friday 10 October 2025
📍 Venue: The Pack Centre, 37–39 Albrecht St, Tolga

Gates open/close:
Day 1: Gates open 12:00pm – Gates close 9:00pm 🌙
Day 2: Gates open 8:00am – Gates close 5:00pm
🅿️ Parking: Free parking & Shuttle bus from Tony St. Loading zone outside event for drop off and pick up.

This sell-out event is set to be a true celebration of the horticulture industry, bringing together growers, suppliers, families and industry partners from across the region.

Why you can’t miss it!

  • Packed trade show: Over 80 exhibitors📍will showcase the latest machinery, orchard technology, irrigation systems, crop nutrition solutions, financial services and more — giving you the chance to see, compare and talk directly with suppliers. Check out the full exhibitor list further below.
  • Engaging program: From export insights at the NQ Export Regional Forum to industry partner updates and a Freshcare town-hall, the program is full of valuable knowledge sharing.
  • Networking and atmosphere: With live entertainment, food trucks, prizes and a buzzing crowd, it’s the perfect setting to connect with others in the industry while enjoying time with family and staff.
  • Something for everyone: From the big machinery displays to the community feel, the show days are designed to be as valuable as they are enjoyable.


Make sure you’re there
With different items on the program on the Thursday and the Friday make sure your diary is clear for both days — whether you’re looking to invest in new tech, gain practical insights, or simply connect with your peers, you’ll find it all at the NQ Avo & Hort Show Days.

Entry is a gold coin donation to Remote Animal Assistance—and yes, they’ll be onsite with their latest dogs available for adoption. Say hello to their team 🐕 and support a great cause.

✨ It’s going to be two great days for North Queensland horticulture — see you in Tolga!

 

Agriculture Inputs and Services – Advanced Droning –  Advantage Agriculture – Agrichem – AgSpec Australia – Atherton Tableland Air Service – Aztec Dynamics – Bayer Crop Science – Bono’s Excavations – Corteva Agriscience – CropX – De Sangosse – Drive Solutions NQ – Eco Growth International – Elders Rural – Fertec – FNQ Solar – FNQ Water – GT Ag Services – HTM Complete – Imtrade Australia – Metagen – Miriwinni Lime & Gypsum – Netafim Australia – Nufarm – Nutrien Ag Solutions – Omnia Specialities – Sentek Technologies – Syngenta Australia – Tableland Fertilizer – Tanuki – Think Water Mareeba – Trical Australia – Turkinje Nursery – UPL

Business Services – ANZ – AUS-QUAL – CBA – CountryCo Ag Services – Direct Agri – Fair Farms – Freshcare – Jobs Australia – NAB – PVW Partners – Q.I.T.E. – Teleo Immigration Lawyers – The Farm Process – WFI Insurance

Industry and Government – ALGA (Lychees) – AMIA (Mangos) – Avocados Australia – Citrus Australia – Climate Resilience Services – Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers – FNQ Growers – Hort Innovation – Queensland Department of Primary Industries – QRIDA

Machinery, Parts and Services – Agdrone.Au – Brown & Hurley – Casali’s Machinery – Croplands Machinery – DTE Equipment – FNQ Filters & Parts – Hansen Ford – Mareeba Tyrepower – Honeycombe Machinery – NQ Ag. Services Machinery – Quinto Ag Machinery – Russo & Vella Machinery – Toyota Materials Handling Australia – Tornado Pumps & Sprayers

Packing Equipment and Supplies – Intralox – J-Tech Systems – Kanga Pac – Label Press – Opal Packaging – Propak Industries – Tomra

Packing and Marketing Services – Australian Produce Partners – Costa Group (North Fresh) – Delroy Orchards – Green Skins Avocados – The Avocado Collective – The Avolution – The Pack Centre

Transport Services – Blenners Transport – Exodus Transport – Lindsay Australia – Seaway Logistics

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

WFI Insurance proudly enters partnership with Avocados Australia

 

Like two sides of an avocado, WFI Insurance and Avocados Australia have come together to make a whole. We’re proud to announce our new partnership, designed to support growers and strengthen our community.

Through this collaboration, Avocados Australia members can now access a range of flexible insurance solutions with WFI Insurance, backed by over 100 years of experience. What’s more, if you take out a WFI Insurance policy and note Avocados Australia as your referring partner, you could be eligible for a free Avocados Australia grower membership* at your next renewal.

What This Means for You

  • Personalised, Local Service: A dedicated WFI Insurance Representative can meet you where it suits you best, even walking your property or business to discuss your needs face-to-face.
  • Exclusive Member Benefits*: Receive a complimentary Avocados Australia membership* when insured with WFI Insurance (where Avocados Australia is noted as the referring partner on the WFI Insurance policy).
  • Supporting Growers & Communities: WFI Insurance consistently contribute to rural resilience through sponsorships, wellbeing programs, and community initiatives, helping ensure a stronger future for our industry.
  • Trusted Experience: With more than 100 years of protecting Australians, WFI Insurance understands the importance of choice and friendly service when it comes to insurance.

Ready to Learn More?

To find out more about this partnership and how you may be eligible for a free membership* visit https://avocado.org.au/about/our-partners/wfi-insurance/ or contact Avocados Australia on (07) 3846 6566.

Together, WFI Insurance and Avocados Australia are building a stronger, more secure future for rural Australia.

 


*Terms and conditions apply.  *Free Membership for AAL members will be applied for a 12-month period only. Commencing from the AAL member’s next AAL membership renewal date that falls between 1 September 2025 and 30 June 2026, following the start or renewal of a WFI Insurance Policy where AAL is recorded as a referrer.

Avocados Australia is a referral partner of WFI and does not provide any advice, recommendations or an opinion about WFI’s products. If you take out an eligible policy with WFI, Avocados Australia receives a commission from WFI between 1.5% and 12.5% of the policy premium (excluding taxes and charges).

Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI. This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available from wfi.com.au.

This article appears as part of the 26 September 2025 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.