- Queensland is responsible for around half of Australia's avocado production
- The World Avocado Congress is a unique opportunity to learn about overseas best practice
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff are attending to showcase Queensland's supply chain research, development and extension work
Queensland's world-class avocados are wowing industry representatives from across the globe at the World Avocado Congress.
Representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) are in New Zealand for the Congress in Auckland from April 2-5.
They are part of the Congress line-up, presenting about the Department's high quality supply chain research, development and extension work in avocado farming.
The Congress and associated field trips provide opportunities to speak and collaborate with growers to benefit the Queensland avocado industry.
DAF Principal Supply Chain Horticulturalist Noel Ainsworth will present at the Congress as part of the 6-strong Queensland delegation.
Mr Ainsworth recently led a project to lift Australian consumer confidence in avocados, monitoring 179 supply chains over four years.
A major focus of the delegation is on factfinding to continue improve fruit quality and boost Queensland's avocado exports in a market that has grown significantly in recent years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner:
"This is a great opportunity for Queensland avocados to shine on the world stage thanks to the fantastic work of our Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff.
"It's a chance to share knowledge with industry about processes and practices, all while promoting Queensland avos.
"It's also a unique and valuable opportunity to learn about international research developments that could boost Queensland's avocado industry."
Quotes attributable to DAF Principal Supply Chain Horticulturalist Noel Ainsworth:
"I've just completed a four-year avocado quality benchmarking project and am about to start another one for the coming three-and-a-half years.
"I have set up meetings with staff from NZ Avocado to share insights on quality management programs focused on both domestic and export markets."
Fast facts:
- Queensland is Australia's largest avocado producer, producing around half of the nation's avocados.
- The avocado industry is worth $213 million to the Queensland economy.
- Queensland's avocado industry has experienced an average growth of 11% over the past five years, despite challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Avocados are produced all the way from Mt Tamborine in the south to the Atherton Tablelands in the north.
- The largest avocado growing regions in the state are North and Central Queensland.
- Brisbane is home to peak industry body, Avocados Australia Limited.
