Avocados Australia represents the biosecurity interests of avocado producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2016–17, avocado production was valued at $256 million (LVP), with exports worth
$12.5 million from just over two per cent of production. Australians’ love of avocados has grown steadily each year since the 1990s. Consumption in 2017–18 reached 3.5kg per person, up from 1kg in 1997-98.
Exports were mostly shipped to Malaysia and Singapore. In 2018 market access to Japan was achieved for Hass avocados grown in areas of Australia that are free of Queensland fruit flies.
Queensland dominates Australia’s avocado production, followed by WA, NSW, Victoria and SA, with a small amount of production in Tasmania. This geographic diversity in growing regions ensures domestic access to Australian avocados year round. Fruit imported from New Zealand supplements supply during spring and summer.
The Hass variety is the predominant avocado produced in Australia, accounting for approximately 78 per cent of production, with Shepard accounting for about 19 per cent. Other varieties such as Reed, Sharwil, Gwen, Wurtz and Fuerte make up the balance.
The avocado industry is covered by the avocado biosecurity plan version 2.01 and the Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Avocado Industry Version 1.0.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of avocado production, 2007–17
Distribution of avocado production by state and territory, 2016–17 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Biosecurity Plan for the Avocado Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the almond industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Avocado Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected]
Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Avocado Industry
The Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Avocado Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks. Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
Postcard
Promotional item to support the exotic plant pest hotline 1800 084 881.
