Linking fruit maturity to uniformity of avocado ripeness

By Noel Ainsworth, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

The uniformity of ripening is of interest to retailers to make it simpler for consumers to select and purchase fruit.

This can minimise bruising caused by handling during selection, which is responsible for half of the damage that consumers see in avocado.

Uneven ripening on the other hand reduces sales and increases time required by store staff to top up displays. Food waste is more likely due to some fruit getting overripe in the retail display.

Practices such as picker training, monitoring of dry matter by growers and ripening practices contribute to improved uniformity of maturity. There are several papers reporting on controlled experiments that identify a link between fruit maturity and speed of ripening. The AV18000 avocado supply chain feedback project reviewed the maturity of fruit and whether it is affecting the uniformity of ripening. Results from the 811 fruit examined across all five districts in year two of the project, found that the link between dry matter and ripeness was weak.

As a check, the dry matter of fruit was monitored through the year and by production district. There was no underlying trend that might affect the investigation. The relationship between dry matter and fruit firmness at assessment was then examined as an average per tray sample (Figure 1) and again on an individual fruit level (Figure 2). In both instances we suspected that low dry matter would result in higher fruit firmness and vice versa, but this was not the case. This is something that we can review as year three data comes to hand.

Figure 1. Average dry matter versus average firmness per tray of ~20 fruit

Figure 2. Dry matter versus fruit firmness for individual fruit samples

While we have confidence in the dry matter accuracy using the Felix NIR device and similarly the firmness reading using the Turoni durometer, there are other factors that may be masking a clearer relationship including:

  • dry matter may be too focused in the mid-range (23-27% dry matter) with insufficient data either lower or higher than that range
  • sampling fruit from a broad range of farms and production districts is likely to include a broad range of nutrition/rootstocks
  • other robustness factors contributing to fruit firmness.

One implication of this lack of a link is that there is no current justification for retailers to ask growers to segregate fruit by maturity (using dry matter) in an effort to improve the uniformity of ripening on the retail shelf.

In the BPR

Throughout this article, we have linked to useful resources in the BPR. If you don’t have BPR access, click here to apply. The BPR is available for Australian-based members of the avocado industry.

More information

Noel Ainsworth, Principal Supply Chain Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mobile 0409 003 909, Email noel.ainsworth@daf.qld.gov.au

The AV18000 project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado industry research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Key project delivery partners also include Avocados Australia Ltd and Rudge Produce Systems.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

Extended storage reveals concerning rots

By Noel Ainsworth, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

What is the impact of extended storage on fruit quality? The AV18000 project found that in most cases – 67% – this made no difference to the ripe fruit quality, but in some cases (20%), the fruit quality was considerably worse.

Duplicate samples of fruit from consignments from the same farm and picked on the same day were examined. The quality of fruit samples stored for two weeks (pre-ripening) were compared with those that passed through the chain under normal supply chain arrangements. This involved fruit monitored recently in West Australian and North Queensland consignments. Figure 1 shows ripe fruit quality results for standard supply chains versus those given an additional 14 days of storage. Findings suggests that in some cases, there might be practices which put the fruit at risk of developing rots if extended storage is part of supply chains. Examples of how this might happen include when the market is congested with fruit, or if the fruit is being selected for extended supply chains for export markets.

Figure 1. Comparison of ripe fruit quality results for standard supply chains versus those given an additional 14 days of storage.

Best practice for avocado supply chain procedures identifies that providing fruit is promptly cooled after harvest and during transport, then hard green fruit can be stored for up to 14 days before ripening. This coincides with advice that suggests rots including body rots and stem end rots invade rapidly after the fruit passes 25 days since harvest. For the past two years of monitoring supply chains, most fruit have reached eating ripe within 15 days of harvest. The extended storage treatment, as part of the AV18000 avocado supply chain feedback project, is seeking to identify those consignments at risk of poor fruit quality, should their normal supply chains be extended.

The differences between supply chains can be illustrated in Table 1 showing how these numbers translate to images of the fruit at ripe fruit quality assessment.

Supply chain no. 77 Supply chain no. 65
Standard supply chain
Standard plus 14 days storage
Likely reason for the difference Robust fruit showing no difference with standard sample recording of 92.9% and 96.4% acceptability in the sample with 14 days storage. Fruit not treated with any post-harvest fungicide dropping from 95% acceptability to 50%.

Table 1. Comparison of Hass fruit quality for two supply chains, with and without 14 days of additional pre-ripening storage at 5˚C.

 

The comparison in Table 1 reinforces the value of postharvest fungicides in reducing the development of rots, especially in fruit exposed to supply chains of longer than 25 days. This can help address the risk of unknown supply chain length when supply in Australia is rising more quickly than demand, and resultant prices favour a greater proportion of production being directed to export markets.

In the BPR

You can find more information on temperature management, postharvest treatments and other related topics in the Packhouse, Transport, Wholesale and Ripening modules of the BPR. (Don’t have BPR access? Click here to apply. The BPR is available for Australian-based members of the avocado industry.)

More information

Noel Ainsworth, Principal Supply Chain Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mobile 0409 003 909, Email noel.ainsworth@daf.qld.gov.au

The AV18000 project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado industry research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. Key project delivery partners also include Avocados Australia Ltd and Rudge Produce Systems.

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

Avocados Australia in the news

Avocados Australia is often in local, state, national or international news, promoting our fabulous Australian avocados, and raising issues of importance on behalf of members.

(All links were current at the time of posting, but may expire, particularly broadcast links.)

 

15 July – Aussies urged to take advantage of a bumper season

How do you take your avocados? With vegemite? With oysters? Lish Fejer told her ABC Canberra Breakfask listeners to have their recipes on hand this bumper avocado season. Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas was live on Tuesday morning, talking increased production, how to tell when your avo is ripe, and sharing some top recipe suggestions.

Click here to listen to John’s interview with Lish Fejer.

12 July – Avocados offer great value for consumers – 9 News

You can also watch here.

25 June – Bumper avocado crop for 2021 – 3AW Money News

Problem Solver Field Guide – order form

The Avocado Problem Solver Field Guide (2nd Edition)

 

The 2nd edition contains 14 new disorders (including six spotted mite, panicle dieback and tree lodging), it updates and expands the information provided in the original edition, includes three new beneficial insects and three new exotic pests, and includes 70 additional photographs as well as replacing many of the original ones. It is 30 pages longer than the 1st edition.

The new edition illustrates, describes, and provides management advice for 114 different pests, diseases, and other disorders of avocado in Australia, many of which are common to avocado industries in other countries. The first part of the book is expressly designed to help the user quickly identify the problem, this is achieved using 520 colour photographs which are arranged in order of plant part and grouped logically according to symptom. The caption of each photograph refers the reader to a page in the second part of the book which provides information covering the cause, general comments, description, prevention, and management of the problem.

To order a copy of the Problem Solver Field Guide (2nd Edition) complete this order form HERE and email it to Avocados Australia at admin2@avocado.org.au.

This order form is for Australian sales only. If you are outside Australia, please request an international order form. Please note that the cost of the guide will be higher, as it includes shipping costs applicable to the destination country. To request the international order form, please email us and specify your country: admin2@avocado.org.au

WA growers review quality from the 2020/21 season

WA growers review quality from the 2020/21 season

Last Tuesday (18 May 2021), Noel Ainsworth (QDAF) and Dario Steffanelli (DPIRD) met with WA growers in Manjimup. These growers collaborated to monitor conditions in avocado supply chains to Sydney and Melbourne this past season. This was a chance to discuss in detail the supply chain conditions and resultant fruit quality when the fruit reaches the ripe stage suitable for consumers.

While only eight supply chains were monitored between November 2020 and January 2021, Noel said that the work confirmed that supply chain temperature management was quite good, sticking close to the planned 5˚C for most of the journey and in storage. After ripening, this resulted in acceptable fruit quality in over 90% of the fruit for these short supply chains.

This season, duplicate samples were also stored for an extra 14 days pre-ripening. This was done to investigate how well the fruit quality could hold up if there was a congested market resulting in extra storage or if the fruit was destined for longer supply chain export markets. This had a significant impact on the resultant fruit quality and generated some interesting discussions about what were the most important factors to promote fruit robustness.

Liz Dann, researcher with QAAFI, who was able to attend while doing trial work in WA, commented that apart from correct handling and supply chain management, that there are four main factors contributing to fruit robustness where breakdown from anthracnose is a risk:

  • an effective pre-harvest spray program involving copper and azoxystrobin (Amistar®) sprays,
  • an effective postharvest treatment using Graduate A+™ or Sportak®,
  • canopy management that opens up the canopy and removes dead wood, and
  • a nutrition program that balances the nitrogen and calcium needs of the crop and the tree.

The national AV18000 project findings will be front and centre in WA discussions over the next month:

  • a Japan export workshop for growers in Manjimup on 1 June,
  • the regional forums for growers planned for 22 June and 24 June, and
  • the wholesalers and ripeners workshop at Canning Vale planned for Friday 25 June.

The Avocado supply chain (AV18000) and Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005) projects have been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado industry research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Avocados Australia and contributions from the Australian Government with in-kind support from Rudge Produce Systems.

Author: Noel Ainsworth, Principal Supply Chain Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mobile 0409 003 909, Email noel.ainsworth@daf.qld.gov.au

 

 

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

Irrigation Summit Special – 2021

2021 Avocado Irrigation Summit

The Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005) project team conducted a major study into avocado irrigation in 2021. A summit was held in Brisbane Q in May 2021 with experienced avocado growers, agronomists and irrigation consultants to review current practices, share experiences, examine global advances, identify knowledge gaps, propose changes and develop best practice adoption strategies.

While the summit had restricted numbers, all of the materials developed and the keynote presentation are available right here in the BPR.

  • 2021 Avocado Irrigation Review Agenda – click here
  • 2020 Avocado Irrigation Literature Review by Liz Singh, Avocados Australia – click here
  • 2021 Australian Avocado Irrigation Practices by Simon Newett, DAF – click here
  • 2021 Tabulated results Australian Irrigation Practices by Simon Newett, DAF – click here
  • 2021 International Avocado Irrigation Trends – click here

Keynote speaker – special AvoGrow webinar

As part of the 2021 Avocado Irrigation Summit, the AvoGrow Webinar Series presented the guest presentation from Udi Gafni, the Technical Services Lead for Avocado Granot, Israel. Udi joined the 2021 Avocado Irrigation summit group via Zoom during the dinner to present information on the avocado irrigation practices in Israel and those in orchards that he consults with, in Chile, Peru, South Africa, Kenya and Australia.

 

 

Further reading

  • In the BPR, there is a host of information on irrigation in the Growing module – click here

More information

This event was part of the strategic levy investment project, Avocado industry development and extension (AV17005), part of the Hort Innovation Avocado Fund. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

Hort Innovation - Strategic Levy Investment (Avocado Fund)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irrigating avocado with less water

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.

More information

For a detailed account of “Managing Avocados with less water” visit the Agriculture Victoria’s facts sheet – https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/water/irrigation/managing-with-less-water/avocado-in-the-mallee.

Read more about irrigation in the Growing module of the BPR.

This article was prepared for the Autumn 2021 edition of Talking Avocados.

Elevating Work Platforms – safety first!

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?

  1. Do you have an EWP Standard Operating Procedure?
  2. Do you have a training and operations log for your EWP operators?
  3. Do you have the correct safety equipment to operate an EWP?
  4. Do you conduct a risk assessment prior to the use of the EWP?
  5. Do you need a licence to operate an EWP?
  6. Do you supervise the operation of the EWP?
  7. 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
  • traffic and pedestrians
  • weather hazards(strong winds, rain etc)
  • falling objects, and failure of the machine
  • Equipment maintenance.

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.

More information

Check out the specific EWP page in the WHS module of the Best Practice Resource, and visit https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/topic/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.

Managing avocado orchards affected by wet weather

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):

Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Fact Sheet (PDF)

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:

This article originally appeared in the 1 April 2021 edition of the enewsletter Guacamole.
It is updated as required.

IFAM briefings for horticulture

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.

If you’d like to submit questions before the event please send to freightbriefing@austrade.gov.au.

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

DATE TIME Event registration link
22 March 2021 10.30 – 11.00 am Please click HERE to register
29 April 2021 10.00 – 10.30 am Please click HERE to register
25 May 2021 10.30 – 11.00 am Please click HERE to register
23 June 2021 11.30 – 12.00 am Please click HERE to register

 

Speakers

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.

For more information visit the IFAM webpage.

 

This article was prepared for the Guacamole of 5 March 2021.