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 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.

 

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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.

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

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

 

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

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.

 

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

 

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

CRIS update: Implementation deferred to 2027

 

Avocado exporters are advised that the implementation of the Cost Recovery Implementation System (CRIS) for horticulture exports has been deferred by 12 months.

The Australian Government has confirmed that the phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services will now commence from 1 July 2027, rather than the previously planned 1 July 2026.

What has changed?

The revised timeline follows recent Government decisions in response to ongoing global pressures, including the conflict in the Middle East, which is impacting input costs and supply chains for Australian producers.

In addition to the deferral:

• The CRIS will now be phased in over two years, rather than three
• No further consultation will be undertaken
• Feedback received during the recent consultation period will be used to inform finalisation
• While no changes to final cost settings are expected, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will continue to explore operational efficiencies

 

What this means for exporters

The 12-month deferral provides additional time for exporters to prepare for the transition to full cost recovery, while offering greater short-term certainty in a challenging operating environment.

The CRIS will still introduce updated export fees and charges, along with changes to how regulatory services are funded, once implemented.

 

Background

As previously communicated, the CRIS forms part of the Government’s transition toward a sustainable funding model for export regulatory services, including forward pricing proposals through to 2029–30.

Extensive consultation with industry has recently concluded, with stakeholder feedback now being considered as the final model is confirmed.

More information

📄 Minister’s media release:
“Keeping our farmers farming and our exports moving” (31 March 2026)

 

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

Avocado climate factors adjusted on My Climate View

 

The Climate Services for Agriculture program has released a series of updates to its online tool, My Climate View, with refinements to avocado climate factors now available to users.

Delivered by CSIRO in partnership with the Bureau of Meteorology and funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, My Climate View provides growers with region-specific climate insights to support decision-making on-farm.

 

What’s changed?

Following a comprehensive scientific review completed in March 2026, updates have been made across multiple commodities to ensure climate factors align with the latest research and agricultural practices.

For avocados, several key climate factors have been refined, including:

• Frost days — updated default date range (contraction)
• Hot temperatures during flowering — updated date ranges depending on region
• Pollination events — updated date ranges depending on region

Most of these changes relate to adjustments in default date ranges, thresholds or regional applicability — with around 80% of variables remaining customisable by users to suit their own orchard conditions.

Why the update matters

Originally launched in 2021 with just two commodities, My Climate View has expanded significantly and now includes more than 20 commodities. This latest review ensures the tool remains scientifically robust, consistent across industries, and aligned with other national climate-agriculture initiatives.

For avocado growers, these updates help ensure the climate insights provided better reflect current production systems and seasonal risks.

What’s next?

Further detail on the methodology and decision-making behind these updates will be outlined in a full technical report, scheduled for release in August 2026.

The Climate Services for Agriculture program team has indicated they are available to discuss the updates and answer questions from industry stakeholders.

🌐 More information

🔗 My Climate View website
📄 Climate factors update webpage
📧 Email enquiries – csaenquiries@csiro.au

 

 

 

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

Asian Honey Bee and Varroa mite detection at Port of Brisbane not established

 

Surveillance confirms no establishment

The Australian avocado industry is being advised of a recent biosecurity update following the detection of Asian honey bee and Varroa jacobsoni at the Port of Brisbane, with surveillance confirming the pest has not established.

In February 2024, a single Varroa jacobsoni mite was detected in a sentinel hive at the Port of Brisbane, triggering an extensive surveillance program across the port and surrounding high-risk areas. Activities included inspections of managed hives, field surveillance, and the destruction of feral Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and European honey bee (Apis mellifera) nests.

Following a 10-month surveillance period, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries provided a final report in early 2026, confirming strong evidence that neither the Asian honey bee nor Varroa jacobsoni has established in the area.

Only one feral Asian honey bee nest containing Varroa jacobsoni was identified during the response, and this was successfully destroyed. The detection highlights the effectiveness of Australia’s National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which is designed to identify and respond to bee pests before they can establish.

Understanding the risk

It is important to note that Varroa jacobsoni is a different species to Varroa destructor, which was detected in New South Wales in 2022 and has since spread to multiple states and territories.

Bee biosecurity remains critical for Australian agriculture, including the avocado industry, which relies on pollination services. The Australian Government continues to work closely with industry and state and territory governments on surveillance, preparedness and response activities to manage the risk of bee pests.

What growers and beekeepers can do

Growers and beekeepers are reminded that vigilance remains essential. Regular hive inspections for signs of varroa mites and other exotic pests are encouraged, using recognised monitoring methods such as alcohol or soapy water washes, sugar shake tests and drone uncapping.

• For more information on these techniques visit beeaware.org.au 🔗
• The Varroa Management Program website also has free information and resources available for beekeepers. That website is at varroa.org.au🔗
• If you suspect your bees may have been affected by varroa mite, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. This will put you in touch with your state or territory’s biosecurity agency.

 

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

AAL Members Winery Day — Expressions of Interest Open

 

Avocados Australia is inviting members to register their interest in attending a special AAL Members Winery Day in the Barossa Valley, to be held on Friday, 5 June 2026.

Planned as a relaxed and social way to wrap up a big week in Adelaide – following Avo Connections (1 June) and Hort Connections (2–4 June) – the day will offer members the opportunity to connect with industry peers while enjoying one of Australia’s premier wine regions.

The experience will run as a full-day outing, with bus transport departing Adelaide in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. The program will include visits to local wineries, culminating in a premium four-course meal with drinks at Fino Seppeltsfield.

Event details

📅 Date: Friday, 5 June 2026
📍 Location: Barossa Valley, Adelaide

🚌 Bus departures from Adelaide approx. 9:00–10:00am
🚌 Return to Adelaide approx. 4:00–5:00pm

🍇 Visits to local wineries
🍽️ Four-course meal with drinks at Fino Seppeltsfield

 

Register your interest

This is a pay-your-own-way event, and Expressions of Interest will assist with planning transport and venue bookings.

Places are strictly limited to 50 guests, so early registration is encouraged.

👉 Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) HERE
🗓️ EOIs close 24 April 2026

📞 For more information, contact Hayleigh Dawson on 0418 960 125

 

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

PHA partnership supports avocado industry biosecurity efforts

 

Plant Health Australia (PHA) continues to work closely with Avocados Australia to boost industry’s biosecurity preparedness. For 2026, PHA will deliver a suite of updated resources and learning events over the coming months.

These resources are designed specifically to strengthen biosecurity awareness, coordination and response capability for the avocado industry. These resources have been developed by PHA to support achievement of objectives under the Hort Innovation project AV21002 – Avocado Industry Biosecurity Strategy 2022 – 2026. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Avocado industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

 

Factsheets

A refreshed series of factsheets for Avocado pests, updated by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and PHA, are now available in the Biosecurity section 🔗 of the Best Practice Resource (BPR) here. These updated factsheets provide growers with the latest information on the key exotic pests and diseases that could significantly impact avocado production and trade.

The factsheets also provide growers and agronomists with an understanding of how they can recognise these species, how they move on and around farms and what growers can do to protect their businesses and their industry from these exotic pests.

Industry Liaison Training

Industry Liaison training provides participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively represent their industry during biosecurity emergency responses under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). PHA is running Industry Liaison training for industry signatories in Mildura, Victoria (29th April), Bundaberg, QLD (18th August) and Darwin, NT (15th October) this year. If you are interested in attending the training please contact Avocados Australia to receive a registration link.

 

Biosecurity Preparedness Webinars

PHA has also been working with Avocados Australia to design and deliver two interactive webinars for the Avocado industry. The 3-hour webinars will run on the 19th May (East coast) and 26th August (West coast) and will provide industry participants across the country the opportunity to learn more about current biosecurity priorities and preparedness activities.

The sessions will include information on the economic impacts of Avocado High Priority Pests (HPPs), on farm biosecurity resources and Owner Reimbursement Costs. Participants will hear from expert researchers and have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with subject matter experts.

Together, these initiatives improve understanding and awareness on key exotic pests, helping the Avocado industry to prepare their businesses to meet the challenges associated with the incursion of exotic pests to Australia. By building knowledge, strengthening networks and providing practical tools, PHA and Avocados Australia continue to ensure the sector plays a strong role in protecting Australia’s biosecurity system.

 

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