Avo-Industry Anual Report 20092010

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INDUSTRY ANNUAL REPORT 2009/10

Avocado


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These projects have been funded byHAL using the Avocado levy and/orvoluntary contributions from industrywith matched funding from theAustralian Government for all R&Dactivity.

Climate change research is not new, but the urgency of information for growers tounderstand and be able to respond to the threats of climate change is. Since 2007HALs climate RD&E investment, through industry levies, voluntary contributions andmatched Australian Government funds, has increased by 30 per cent. Achievementsinclude: empowerment of industry leaders, through forums and presentations;partnerships, through cross-collaborative programs; and adoption, through growerworkshops and fact sheets.

Further climate RD&E is planned in 2010, including generation of information on thecritical temperature thresholds of a number of horticulture crops, identification of bestmanagement practices on-farm for reducing emissions and linkages with the ClimateChange Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI). Information on ClimateRD&E and links to various tools for industry are available at www.horticulture.com.au/climate.

This industry annual report provides asnapshot of the key avocado projectsundertaken during 2009/10 through theavocado investment program.

One of the key activities undertaken in2009/10 was a review of the last five yearsof investment against the 2005-2010Avocado Industry Strategic Plan, as part ofa process to develop a new five year plan.A qualitative review of previous investmentsover the past five years demonstrated a veryhigh degree of achievement against the

strategies set down five years ago.Consumer demand has continued to grow inline with increasing supply, as demonstratedby increasing per capita consumption andassisted by a well targeted marketing andpromotion program. Market developmenthas been underpinned by comprehensiveconsumer research over the past fiveyears, which has provided a very high levelunderstanding of consumers and markets.The foundation has been laid to substantiallyexpand new market segments such as thefood service sector, with the first stage of

a food service strategy implemented in2009/10.

Fruit quality at the retail level has improved,as demonstrated by quantitative retailquality monitoring, which continued in2009/10. This has been assisted by researchand development (R&D) to improve theeffectiveness of the supply chain and on-farm improvements in disease management.The industry has one of the mostcomprehensive market information systems(Infocado) in the horticulture sector, whichhelps the industry maintain a sustainable

balance between supply and demand and tofacilitate quality improvement. In 2009/10,this program achieved industry participationlevels at about 85 per cent of production.

OverviewContents1 Build strong demand

6 Ensuring high qualityfresh avocados at retail

10 Improve production &marketing systems

16 Assisting producers toachieve business goals

18 Industry organisation,resourcing &management

21 Investing in Australianhorticulture

22 Across industry program

23 Avocado program2009/2010

25 Avocado investmentsummary

R&D projects to improve productivityhave been undertaken, such as canopymanagement, disease management androotstock improvement. In 2009/10 a newrootstock with resistance to Phytophthoracinnamomiwas identified for commercialrelease. Information regarding practicesand approaches for driving yield increasescost-effectively is being disseminatedthrough various mediums as it becomesavailable. R&D projects to fill knowledgegaps about the major determinants of yieldimprovement are being commissioned.

Numerous communication and extensionprojects have been implemented over thepast five years to ensure that growers andthe supply chain are well informed aboutimproved practices to meet consumer needsand improve grower profitability.

In addition to this qualitative analysis, aquantitative economic evaluation of fourstrategic plan objectives delivered underthe 2005-2010 Avocado Industry StrategicPlan was also completed in 2009/10, in linewith the Council of Rural R&D Corporations

framework. The benefit cost ratios rangedfrom 2.9:1 to 14.6:1.

Although long-term projections show theindustry is continuing to steadily grow withnew plantings coming into production, thecrop size in 2009/10 was similar to 2008/09with a total levy income in 2009/10 of$3,414,765. Total levy program expenditure(including Australian Government matchingfunds for all R&D) was $4,144,869 with$1,837,261 invested in promotion activitiesand $2,307,608 in R&D projects.

For more information contact:John Tyas, Industry Services Manager, HAL

T 07 32101880

E [email protected]


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Avocado food service menu survey andproduct performance panel

BUILD STRONG DEMAND

This project was the first step in theimplementation of the Avocado FoodService Marketing Action Plan, endorsedby the Avocado Industry AdvisoryCommittee (IAC) in early 2009.

The first component involved a surveyof food service businesses to establish abenchmark for avocado use in four targetfood service outlet segments. It also

provided detailed insight into what iscurrently happening in the market.

In May 2009, 1,101 food outlets werecontacted by phone and asked questionsabout their use of avocados in theirmenu. A report providing insight into

the use of fresh avocados by restaurants,

cafes, hotels and clubs was completed in

August 2009. The project has ensured that

the success of the food service marketing

strategy can be evaluated against this

benchmark and trends in the market can be

monitored over time.

The second activity developed the

Avocado Food Service Masterbook, whichwas completed in August 2009. To create

the masterbook, a two-day cooking and

tasting panel was held with a team of

professional chefs. The panel process

confirmed the value proposition for fresh

avocados in food service including:

principal selling features and language

hero meal ideas

a range of new recipes

detailed product information.

The projects findings are now being

used by HAL to deliver the market

development program to the food

service sector.

Project AV08044

For more information contact:

Brian Ramsay, Inovact Consulting

T 02 6140 3900

E [email protected]

Growth in Australian Avocado Production 1999 to 2008 and Estimated to 2013Australias anticipated avocado productiongrowth clearly shows that other marketsoutside of Australia need to be developedto ensure the domestic market is not oversupplied. A group of leading growers,packers and marketers have incorporatedthe Avocado Export Company (AEC) inMay 2009. This company has proceeded toactively develop the avocado export marketin Asia and the Middle East. Initial researchindicated that international markets have

tremendous potential, but the logisticschain and consumers need to be educatedabout how to handle and enjoy avocados.

This project was funded by voluntarycontribution.

Avocado export market

development plan

To develop the export market, a number ofkey areas had to be addressed.

Coordinating exports of Australian avocados

growers, packing sheds, logistic providers,wholesale and retail chains, and promotionspersonnel.

Training has commenced in Singapore,Malaysia and Hong Kong. More than 400

personnel of importers, wholesale and retailchains have been trained so far in handling,merchandising and promoting Australianavocados.

Project AV09005


Louis Grey, Avocado Export Company

T 07 3844 6882

E [email protected]

Projected Growth of Australian Production

A communications plan was developedto communicate the message to growers,packers, logistics service providers,importers, merchandisers and consumers.

A quality manual was developed for all

growers, packing sheds and logisticsproviders and importers to adhere to thesame quality standard required for exportavocados. The manual will be distributedshortly to the participating packing sheds.

Training programs were developed toeducate all the key players about theexport market requirements. Specifictraining programs were created for


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In late 2009, Australian Avocadosembarked on an educational program toengage with food service professionals toincrease the use of avocados.

Avocados present a unique model for foodservice. While loved by consumers, thefood service repertoire is low due to theperception of their culinary inflexibility andprevious market unpredictability. There is apotent opportunity for avocados if the rightinformation is delivered to chefs.

The masterclass program is tailored toeducate food service professionals aboutthe versatility, seasons, types, handling andpurchasing tips of Australian avocados.The masterclasses include an introductoryinsight into the history, world usage, typesand global production of the avocado.Nutritional benefits of the fruit are alsoaddressed.

Recipe ideas are the foundation of theclasses, whether devised by the host chefor taken directly from the masterbook.Every session commences with an avocado

tasting plate as a sensory exercisefeaturing raw, salted, sugared and flashfried avocado, as well as an avocadoand coconut shooter. The host chef isencouraged to create the rest of themenu for the event. The research andexperimentation to do this provide aninstantly successful peer end-user story forother chefs attending the masterclass.

To date, the program has been introducedto a number of industry sectors, includingrestaurants, cafs, clubs, hotels and pubs.

Fresh avocados masterclass for food service

Chefs responded to the program positively.According to the surveys, attendeesranked the masterclass an average 4.14

out of 5 for usefulness and an average of3.54 for likelihood of increasing avocadousage following the session. In thepost-masterclass interviews, 68 per centof the chefs suggested that the avocadousage had increased on their menus. Atthe same time, masterclass videos areproduced and uploaded to Youtube (www.youtube.com/user/addanavo), Wine.Food.Hotel (www.winefoodhotel.com/tube/view/0/canterbury-league-club-avocado-996) and the Australian Avocados

website (www.avocado.org.au/foodservice).This utilises the internet as a new platformto inform food professionals about the

program and avocado usage.

While continuing to engage with foodprofessionals from the aforementionedsectors, the 2010/2011 program stepsinto the new territory of large commercialcatering groups and TAFE students andlecturers. The structure of the programhas been customised meticulously incooperation with the catering company andschools to fit into their curriculums. Thisdevelopment will not only increase the useof avocados in many more dining occasionsbut also educate the next generation of

chefs about how to use avocados properly,effectively and creatively.

Project AV09013


Stewart White, Whiteworks

T 02 9557 1433

E [email protected]

Avocado retail dataTransparency of retail price information isnecessary so that growers can comparethe trends in retail prices with thetrends in production volume and qualitythroughout the season. The ability to dothis helps ensure that all members of thesupply chain have the tools necessary towork together with fluctuating volumesof fruit in the market. Both volume and

quality data is available through theInfocado and retail quality survey projectsrespectively.

This project collects a range of dataon a weekly basis in Brisbane, Sydney,Melbourne and Perth. This includes

details about display, fruit weight, fruit

price, and whether or not fruit is on

special. This data is then reported to the

industry via weekly Infocado reports and

the avocado website, www.avocado.

org.au. There is now almost two years

of data providing historical trends and

comparisons between price, volume and

quality.

Project AV07023


Joanna Embry, Avocados Australia

T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]

Avocado masterclass video available on Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/addanavo


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In 2009, a scoping study was completed,that identified the most effective wayfor the avocado industry to engage witheducators to equip them with a range oflearning tools and knowledge on the issueof healthy eating.

While the original intention of this scopingstudy was to investigate the primary schoolsetting for opportunities for avocadoeducation, it quickly became clear thatthere was a better opportunity in the earlieryears learning setting. The primary school

curriculum is overwhelmed with manycompeting demands and the opportunitiesfor meaningful real food experiences arelimited.

Using the expertise of two noted earlychildhood educators - Shelley Woodrowand Nadine McCrea, each with over 20years experience in the school or earlychildhood education field - an avocado-focused education resource has beendeveloped titled, Eating my colourfulvegies and fruit.

Increasing the consumption of fruit andvegetable has been identified as a priorityby national and state health departments.This resource has been created to supportthese initiatives by helping educatorscontribute to wellbeing and food-focusedlearning experiences for young Australianchildren.

The resource includes a book of learningactivities for Early Childhood educators aswell as other colourful learning resourcessuch as a poster (Eating the rainbowevery day), a rainbow colour swatch, an

avocado-shaped food finder and a DVDfeaturing tips and suggestions for using theresources.

The concept of eating the rainbow everyday, when choosing fruit and vegetables, a

message which emerged from research bythe Cancer Council in the US in the 1990s,provides an aspirational and fun frameworkwithin which avocados can be experiencedand explored. Other key messages includeTry new food start with green! andEat more plant food.

With 70 per cent of food habits establishedby aged three, this resource will provideeducators with the tools to establishhealthy eating habits early.

The final resources were offered to aselected 440 centres in three states, withfirst round offers for the September 2010program to specific metropolitan regionsin Melbourne, Sydney and Armidale inthe Hunter. The second round of offers, inMay 2011, will be to specific metropolitanregions in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

Project AV09522


Gunjan Tandan, HAL Marketing Manager

T 02 8295 2300

E [email protected]

Avocados in early childhood Bioactivecomponentsand portionsizes ofavocadosThe avocado industry saw currentconsumer interest in the health

benefits of food as an opportunityfor promoting avocados. Avocadosare high in vitamin E, B1, B2, niacin,folate, potassium, magnesiumand antioxidants. However, moreinformation was needed.

There is some confusion about whatis appropriate when avocados areincluded in a healthy, balanced diet.This project aims to firstly clarify thefood labelling guidelines, which arecomplex and currently under review,and the recommended portion sizeof avocado.

For nutrient promotion, more datais needed for Shepard and Hassavocados, and to identify the changesin nutrient content relative to seasonand district.

In addition, some consumer focusgroups will be run to determine howbest to communicate the revisedhealth information.

Project AV09000

For more information contact:Dr Jenny Jobling, Applied Horticultural

Research

T 02 8627 1040

E [email protected]


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Consumer and retail scan data collectionThis project provided the avocado industrywith an understanding of domestic retailtrade volumes and values, as well asconsumer purchasing behavior.

Retail Scan data from a major domesticretail chain and Homescan data on theproduce purchased and taken home bya panel of over 10,000 people acrossAustralia was collected.

Homescan provides information on thedemographics of the purchasers, their

Consumer tracking studyHAL commissioned Brand Story to

undertake an ongoing online survey of

1,800 consumers annually, conducted

over six years, covering the key growing

seasons.

The survey is designed to track areas

such as consumer preferences, product

selection criteria, the incidence,

frequency and volume of purchase

and consumer attitudes and reactions

to assorted education materials and

industry activities.

Avocados are regularly purchased by

around half of consumers surveyed.

There is wide consumer awareness that

avocados are healthy, containing good,

rather than bad fats and are very versatile

to use in cooking. The fruit has good

residual levels of advertising awareness,

which have been built upon with the

creation of a new print campaign and the

positioning of avocados as an easy to

use, versatile family food.

Project MT08060


Steve Sheppard, Brand Story

T 02 8399 3850

E [email protected]

Avocado consumer research surveyThe initial phase of this project consisted

of a consumer research survey conductedonline, using a questionnaire. Thesample of the survey is nationallyrepresentative of main grocery buyersand comparable with the 2005 survey onkey demographic measures.

The current campaign is workingwell with 18 per cent of respondentshaving seen at least one element ofthe campaign. This rises to 22 per centamong women. The avocado advertisinghas greatest appeal among its targetaudience (urban/suburban femalesaged 25-39), with 98 per cent statingversatility was a message from the printads. Just under half also said healthywas a message in the campaign, manyalso mention seeing avocados on theWoolworths market update.

Those who had seen the campaign weresignificantly more likely to have usedavocados in the less common ways

suggested in the campaign (in pasta, onpizza, in soup).

A lack of avocado recipe ideas appearsto be less of a barrier to purchase nowthan in 2005. Significantly less are nowclaiming that recipes providing ideas would

increase their purchasing. Conversely,

there have been significant increases inthe proportions saying price is a barrier(even though avocado prices are seen tobe gradually falling), and that cost hadstopped them buying avocados in thelast year.

This increasing price sensitivity is likelyto be at least in part a reaction to thecurrent financial crisis. The factors whichrespondents claim would be most likelyto increase purchasing of avocados areconsistently cheaper, consistently ripeand more recipes.

Project AV08013

Anna Herron, Bread & Butter Research &

Planning

T 02 9963 4600

E [email protected]

buying frequency, purchase values and their

retail channel of purchase. This information

is best used as a trend analysis displaying

market impacts.

Through having a much improved

understanding of the real actions

consumers of avocados are taking across

a range of market outlets, the avocado

industry is able to drive better market

supply and marketing decisions. This

research can also be used to guide and

improve market supply relationships andbuild improved supply chain transfer to theend market.

Project MT08015


Wayne Prowse, HAL Export Development

Manager

T 02 8295 2300

E [email protected]


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ENSURING HIGH QUALITY FRESH AVOCADOS AT RETAIL

It is recognised that a wide variety

of factors affecting avocado quality,

productivity and supply chain efficiency are

interrelated. This project was developed to

manage a range of projects that are aimed

at addressing these issues.

Access to good avocado crop flow

information is integral to ensuring supply

chain efficiency. This project was tasked

with managing the Infocado crop flow data

system, and also managing the roll out of

new modules within the system. The system

now consists of a weekly dispatch module,

weekly forecast module, seasonal forecast

module and wholesale module. Eighty

Avocado quality and industry information systemsfive per cent of production is accountedfor by the Infocado system. Reports areproduced and distributed to contributors

on a weekly and quarterly basis. The systemalso includes the OrchardInfo modulefor collecting and reporting orchard

information, including tree age, treenumbers, varieties, rootstocks, row and treespacings and yields.

The management of the avocado supply

chain projects involved developing andmanaging a range of different projectsto build a comprehensive picture of fruitquality and supply chain efficiency, and to

address the issues identified. The projects

managed in 2009/2010 included:

Avocado retail quality surveys, phase II(AV08034)

Avocado retail prices surveys (AV07023)

Avocado supply chain educationmaterials (AV08017).

Information has been gleaned withinAustralia and overseas to help develop

a framework for the introduction of anavocado quality management system(QMS). It is hoped the QMS will helpimprove quality at the retail level andsubsequently increase purchases andreturns to all members of the supplychain. Tools are being developed to assistin making improvements and to work inconjunction with a QMS.

Project AV06006



T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]

National avocado quality management systemThis project began in March 2010 andfollows on from a project that concludedin November 2009 (AV06006).

The current project aims to expandon the results from the previous project,specifically the supply chain projects thatwere managed by it, and to develop andimplement a quality managementsystem.

The supply chain projects identifiedcritical points of quality at whichconsumer purchasing is affected, wherethe industry currently sits in terms ofquality, and points in the supply chain

where issues related to product qualityshould be addressed. This project willseek to implement a system based onaccreditation of members of differentsectors of the supply chain, guaranteeingthat a mimimum standard of quality (basedon known consumer acceptances) is fulfilled.

The roll-out of OrchardInfo and Infocadorequires ongoing management andmaintenance as well as a mechanismfor implementing future expansions andupdates to those programs.

A consumer research project has beeninstigated and conducted this year to

develop maturity benchmarks for

Shepard avocados and to determine

consumer attitudes to the concept

of a quality guarantee. A Wholesaler

Accreditation system is currently being

drafted for piloting later this year and

wholesale prices will be introduced to

Infocado reporting in the coming months.

Project AV09001



T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]


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Ripening is a critical step in the avocadosupply chain and must be done correctly toensure that consumers consistently receivefruit of the right quality. This project,funded by the avocado levy and voluntarycontributions, will publish an avocadoripening manual to improve knowledge,practices and consistency in ripeningavocados.

The project team has mapped andmonitored fruit quality and handlingpractices from the packing shed to dispatch

from ripeners, completed an analysis of theinformation needs for workers at ripeningfacilities, and undertaken four research trialsto generate new information where gaps inknowledge existed.

Ripeners face complex decisions giventhe variation in cultivars, districts, grower/

Development of an avocado ripening manual

Monitoring fruit temperature in a pallet ofavocados during ripening

Assessing quality of avocados storedafter ripening to determine best practicerecommendations

Quality controller assessing fruit quality onarrival at ripening facility

packer practices, transport times, receivaltemperatures, ripening facilities andcustomer requirements. To help managethis complex situation, a simple, usableripening manual is being created. A hardcopy version of the manual is supportedwith web-based reference material anda decision tool for recommending bestpractice ripening and storage.

Future activities for the project includepreparation and testing of the ripeningmanual prior to its publication and

publication of the research reports.The project is supported by a voluntary

contribution from Fresh Exchange, a majoravocado ripening business.

Project AV08018


Terrence Campbell, Agri-Science Queensland

T 0427 602 007

E [email protected]

Evaluating the use of a library traysystem to monitor qualityThe aim of this project was to determinethe potential for use of a library traysystem for tracking, potentially improvingAustralian avocado fruit quality in thelocal and/or export marketplaces.A literature review and survey ofinternational fruit industry practices wereconducted.

Library tray systems are used in manyfruit industries to provide a means ofmonitoring and improving overall fruitquality. Generally a sample of fruit istaken at an appropriate point in thehandling chain (most likely from the

packing line) and held in the packhouseor a central location. Fruit quality ofthe sample is assessed on one or moreoccasions during storage and/or shelf life.

Instigation of a library tray systemhas potential for improving qualityof Australian fruit and an appropriatesystem should be considered by the

Australian avocado industry.Project AV08022

Dr Allan Woolf, The New Zealand Institute

For Plant & Food Research Ltd

T +64 9 925 7267

E [email protected]


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Retail quality surveys have identified that

there is still up to 30 per cent of avocados

at the retail level that have more than

10 per cent internal flesh damage, with

bruising being the biggest issue.

The education materials developed

through this project have been designed to

assist in addressing quality issues including

maturity, ripeness and internal damage,

with a significant focus on reducing bruising

damage at all points of the supply chain.

Because of the close relationship betweenlevel of ripeness and susceptibility to

damage, the first piece of material

developed was aimed at providing a tool

Avocado supply chain education materials

to better identify the different levels ofripeness both by colour and firmness.Handling guides for fruit at different

Avocado handling guide for retailers Avocado colour and ripeness chart

Avocado handling guide for packhouses Avocado handling guide for wholesalers

levels of ripeness, from the packing shed

right through to the retail floor were

subsequently developed.

In conjunction with the handling guides,

The Little Green Bookwas developed,

featuring the character Alvin Avocado.

The book was produced to illustrate to

everyone in the supply chain how their

handling of avocado can impact on the end

quality of the product.

Project AV08017



T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]

The Little Green Book, The Adventures ofAlvin

Identifying acceptable maturity levels in Shepard avocadosDry matter content (DM) of avocadosrepresents the amount of carbohydratesand nutrients that have been transportedfrom the tree into the fruit. The longerthe avocado remains on the tree, thehigher the dry matter, and consequently,dry matter percentage. DM% is used bygrowers to decide when avocados areready to harvest.

In the current study, 112 consumers tastedShepard, a variety of avocado that canbe harvested early in the season. Theavocados were collected from a range oflocations in Northern Queensland in orderto ensure that fruit of varying maturity

(DM%) were available for tasting at the same

time.

Consumers liking of flavour increased

progressively as the DM content of

avocados increased from 18 per cent to

23 per cent but then reached a plateau,

where further increases in DM did not

result in corresponding increases in liking.

The immature (lower DM) avocados were

frequently described as having bland/tasteless or watery flavour, as well as being

less liked than other avocados.

Following tasting, consumers were asked

about their experience with avocados and

the extent that a quality guarantee offeringto refund or replace damaged fruit mightincrease purchasing.

Consumers continued to report a highincidence and severity of damage in theavocados they purchased for consumptionat home. The study indicated thatconsumers willingness to buy avocadosincreased as a consequence of the qualityguarantee.

Project AV09026

Dr Roger Harker, The New Zealand Institute

for Plant & Food Research

T +64 9 925 7000

E [email protected]


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Avocado retail quality surveysIn 2007, work was commissionedto develop benchmarks for industryperformance in eating quality (primarilymaturity and freedom from internaldefects) by measuring the points at whichfruit quality impacts on actual consumerpurchasing behaviour.

The quality benchmarks developedwere that fruit must have no more than10 per cent internal damage, and allHass avocados should have a dry matterpercentage (DM%) no lower than 23 per

cent. To measure the current and ongoinglevel of quality in the market, surveys areundertaken at the retail level (internaldamage) and wholesale level (DM% as ameasure of maturity).

Internal quality

Internal quality surveys are conductedon a monthly basis in Brisbane, Sydney,

Melbourne and Perth. Fruit is collectedfrom a broad range of retail outlets and

tested for internal quality. The data for

calendar years 2008 and 2009 have recentlybeen analysed to observe the change in

quality between the two years. The retailsurvey results show that the proportion

of fruit that has more than 10 per cent

damage has reduced from 28.1 per centto 25.4 per cent from 2008 to 2009. The

results also show that both body rots and

stem end rot has increased over this period,

but that bruising and vascular browning hasdecreased.

Maturity

Avocados are collected on a monthly basis

from wholesalers and then tested for drymatter content as an indicator of maturity.

The table below illustrates the most up-to-

date data on the range of DM% for fruit

sampled by growing region. Individualresults are sent to the growers whose fruitare tested. Summarised information byorigin region is also available from theAvocados Australia website,www.avocado.org.au

This project is scheduled to continue untilthe end of 2011.

Project AV08034



T 07 3846 6566E [email protected]

Dry Matter

Intervals

Proportion of fruit tested for each dry matter interval 31st May 2010

NQ CQ SC SQ NNSW CNSW Tri WA

Hass Shepard Hass Shepard Hass Hass Hass Hass Hass Hass40% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Developing an avocado robustness testFruit quality is a major factor limiting theexpansion of the avocado market. One ofAvocado Australias strategic objectives isthat 90 per cent of fruit on the retail shelfmeet or exceed consumer expectations.This objective has yet to be realised.

A method of predicting internal fruitquality several weeks prior to commercialharvest was developed. This informationcould be a valuable tool for growers inmaking informed marketing decisionsand possibly altering their farm

management practices.Avotest, the rapid ripening test,provides a means of gauging the effectof various farm management practiceson fruit quality. It was developed andverified over two seasons for domestic

market fruit and over one season for longstorage fruit. Fruit quality predicted in the

domestic market, eight weeks prior to

the commercial harvest, correlated well

with that of fruit subject to a simulation of

commercial conditions (r=0.6).

The long storage Avotest, carried out four

weeks prior to the commercial harvest,

had a strong correlation with commercial

conditions (r=0.74). This is not a rapid test

and requires a two to three week cold

storage period.

The Avotest successfully provided growers

with invaluable information regarding their

end-use fruit quality and could effectively

rank a block or orchards fruit quality

performance.

The Avotest also had someshortcomings. Only defects that

originated in the orchard could be

predicted, such as rots, some insect

damage and some physiological

disorders. Handling injuries, such as

bruising, an important cause of retail

spoilage, could not be predicted by the

Avotest.

The project was terminated by

agreement prior to completion.

Project AV07005For more information contact:

Danielle Le Lagadec

Agri-Science Queensland

T 07 4132 5524

E [email protected]


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IMPROVE PRODUCTION & MARKETING EFFICIENCIES

Investigating Avocado sunblotch

viroidin Australia

EvaluatingsuperiorrootstocksRootstocks significantly impact onavocado tree health, fruit yield andquality. The industry standard, Velvick,is a good rootstock but new materialhas been developed and needs to

be tested under local commercialconditions.

The efficacy of imported and locallydeveloped seedling and clonalrootstocks that had not been includedin the national avocado rootstockprogram have been tested.

Based on the average cumulative yieldfor 2005-2010, Velvick remains oneof the best rootstock for Shepard asscion. However, if yield is expressed interms of tree size (kg/m3 of canopy),a local rootstock, BW2, and an Israeli

rootstock, Ashdot, produces 25 percent more crop than Velvick.

With Hass as scion, the seedlingrootstock BW2 produced 25 per centmore fruit than seedling Velvick for2005-2009. If expressed in relationto canopy volume, Ashdot, whichappears to be a dwarfing rootstock,produced more than double the cropload achieved by Velvick.

Many of the new clonal rootstocksout performed clonal Velvick both inaverage yield and in yield per canopyvolume. The variability between treesis greatly reduced by grafting ontoclonal rootstocks.

The trial has been established on gooddeep red soil with low Phytophthorapressure. The trees are in excellenthealth with no sign of root rot stress.However, some of the rootstocks inthe program were developed for theirPhytophthora resistance and so couldnot be tested for their true purposegiven the low disease pressure at thetrial site.

Project AV07008


Dr Danielle Le Lagadec

Agri-Science Queensland

T 07 4132 5524

E [email protected]

Hass avocado trees are known to displayan alternate bearing nature, often mixedwithin a block. The differing yielding oftrees within a block results in differentwater requirements from tree to tree.Traditionally, irrigation has been set tothe higher water demanding trees, thusoverwatering the lighter water demandingtrees. This is inefficient and compromisestree health due to over-wet conditions.

This project, funded by voluntarycontribution, is measuring the capacity ofthe avocado tree to withstand temporarywater stress during a light fruit set season.Potential water savings are also beingidentified.

In the 2009/10 season, the soil and plantmonitoring sensors were installed andtesting of the sensors and telemetry unitswas conducted.

Irrigation treatments are yet to commence,but yield and tree growth data (flowers,

shoots, roots and fruit) have been collectedfrom the past season using the growersstandard irrigation habits.

Project AV07017


Alec McCarthy, DAFWA

T 08 9780 6273

E [email protected]

Production using reduced water supplies

Plantsens D6 dendrometer sensor unit installedto the trunk of a Hass avocado tree to monitorchanges in trunk diameter.

Avocado sunblotch viroid(ASBVd) isa damaging pathogen, but one that iscontrolled easily through the use of cleanplanting material. The Avocado NurseryVoluntary Accreditation Scheme (ANVAS)has been in place since the early 1980s.A mandatory practice for nurseriesparticipating in this scheme is that allpropagation material be tested forASBVd. The last official report of ASBVdin Australia was in 1989 and it is unclear

how widespread the pathogen is now.

This project is quantifying the incidenceof ASBVd in Australia.

Surveys for ASBVd have been undertakenin northern NSW and South-Eastern

Queensland. In total, 3222 avocado treeshave been tested and only one infectedtree found. The affected property wassurveyed nearly two years later, and nomore infection was found, suggestingthat field spread of ASBVd is either veryslow or non-existent.

It was concluded that ASBVd is now veryrare in Australia.

Project AV07001


Dr Andrew Geering, Agri-Science

Queensalnd

T 07 3896 9353

E [email protected]


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Market access R&D

The avocado rootstock improvement projecthas been running for eight years. Duringthis time, results have been reported viaarticles in Talking Avocados, industry andinternational conferences and at two industryR&D road shows, with presentations in sevendistricts across Australia where avocadosare commercially grown. These activitieshave increased grower awareness on theimportance of selecting the correct rootstockwhen ordering new trees from nurserysources. The project has been evaluatingavocado rootstocks selected from the threebotanical races within this species for theirsuitability to meet the requirements of thediverse production regions of Australia.

During 2004/05 approximately 1,400 Hassand Shepard trees were planted in differentproduction areas of Australia for long-term evaluation. The trees were graftedto rootstocks representative of the threehorticultural races of the species, since theyimpart different performance characteristicsto trees. Rootstocks were either clonallypropagated giving genetic uniformity

between trees or grown as seedlingsimparting genetic variability. In 2007, thefirst yield data was collected from theseexperiments and has been collected for eachsubsequent year of the investigation.

With three years of consecutive yield datacollected from the experimental sites,the difference in performance betweencloned and seedling rootstocks have beenexamined. Across the 32 pairs of rootstocksevaluated over all experimental sites, thereare only three occasions where clonedrootstocks have significantly out-yielded their

seedling partners, whereas on nine occasionsthe seedling partner has outperformed theclone. In the other 20 cases there were nosignificant differences between the clonedand seedling pairs. Some reports suggestclones are slower to reach cropping maturitythan seedling rootstocks, so it is still possiblein the life of the project that the former mayovertake their seedling counterparts.

A new rootstock (SHSR-04) has beenidentified with resistance to Phytophthoracinnamomi. Commercialisation of this line isin progress and will be reported on in greater

detail once the process has been finalised.

Project AV08000


Dr Tony Whiley, Sunshine Horticultural Services

T 07 5441 5441

E [email protected]

Improving rootstocks for the Australian avocado industry

Harvesting the avocado rootstock trial at Hampton.

Gaining and maintaining marketaccess continues to be a key priorityfor Australias avocado industry and ascience based strategic approach tomarket access R&D is essential to supportthese market access initiatives.

In support of market access, horticulturalindustries and government invested $3.2

million for market access-related R&Dprojects as part of the 2006 HAL MarketAccess R&D Plan. There are currently13 projects underway as a result of thisfunding. It is anticipated that the majorityof these projects will be completed bythe second half of 2010. Project resultswill then be compiled, analysed anddistributed to industry

The plan has now been revised under astrategic framework termed Pathways toMarket 2009-2014to better align withthe recommendations of the National

Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS) and to keeppace with changes in the internationalmarket access environment.

The dynamic nature of domestic andinternational market access requirementsclearly indicate that both pre and

postharvest projects remain essential togain and maintain markets. Developmentand refinement of pest free areas, pestmonitoring and surveillance techniques,alternative pest management andtreatment techniques and alternativesto some chemical treatments have beenidentified as key market access R&Dinvestment areas.

The 20092014 HAL Market AccessR&D Plan outlines proposed projects tothe value of $15 million over five years.Importantly, the plan provides evengreater focus on direct market accessoutcomes through a multi-industryapproach and has been endorsedby the recently established Office ofHorticultural Market Access.

Copies of the 20092014 HAL MarketAccess R&D Plan are available onrequest.

Project MT06020


Kim James, HAL Biosecurity and Market

Access R&D Manager

T 08 6389 1407

E [email protected]


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The Australian avocado industry continuesto grow at around 10 per cent per year.The peak of production continues to beconcentrated in the period between Mayand September each year.

This can impact upon the domestic price ofavocados. Sunfresh Marketing CooperativeLimited initiated this voluntary contributionproject to develop sea freight protocolsto European markets, building on thesuccessful static trial undertaken in 2008.The research focused on understanding

fruit quality and variety, lenticel damage,confirming controlled atmosphere (CA)conditions, market capacity, and theinfrastructure and skills of the importingagent.

Sunfresh exported a 40ft CA containerof Hass avocados to customers in theUnited Kingdom and Europe in May2009. The project has been successfulin demonstrating to Australian growersthat product can be successfully shippedand marketed to the European EconomicCommunity (EEC).

A second trial is planned for August 2011.

Project AV08046


Brian Prosser, Sunfresh Marketing Cooperative

T 0438 467 069

E [email protected]

Sunfresh and Halls representatives at container opening

Sunfresh avocados pallet ready for export

Freight container trials and long-term storage impact

Climate change andpolicy implicationsThe potential impacts of climatechange and climate policies on theAustralian avocado industry are beingassessed. This information is requiredfor the industry to adapt to futureclimatic conditions, minimise possiblenegative impacts and capitalise on anyopportunities.

The first aim is to provide a thoroughreview of a range of climate policiesthat may have an impact on avocadoproducers. This will have a strong focuson mechanisims that may be used toestablish a carbon price, such as theCarbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.Policies relating to offset schemes, suchas carbon footprinting and productlabelling will also be reviewed.

The second aim is to provide a detailedanalysis of the potential impacts ofprojected climate change across the keyAustralian avocado production regions.

This will be achieved through combining

a thorough literature review of theclimatic conditions favourable foravocados with data on existing andprojected climate conditions. The resultswill be summarised using regionalclimate mapping and bioclimatic

modelling. The project will assess therange of adaptation options that areavailable to minimise climate riskswhile capitalising on any possibleopportunities, and identify potentialissues and priority research needs forinclusion in industry strategic planning.

A review of the impacts of climatepolicies and an assessment of climaterisks for the main growing regions hasbeen completed.

Project AV09003


David Putland, Growcom

T 07 3620 3823

E [email protected]


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Evaluating pyraclostrobin productsfor disease controlAnthracnose (caused by Colletotrichumspp.) and stem-end rot (caused by arange of fungi including anamorphsofBotryosphaeria spp.) are the twomost important postharvest diseases inmango, avocado, passionfruit and lychee.Together they cause losses in the orderof 25 per cent in the marketplace.

Field diseases such as pepper spot inavocado (caused by Colletotrichumgloeosporioides) also cause seriousfruit losses in the packing shed. A keystrategy in the management of thesefield and postharvest diseases is thecalendar-based application of protectantfungicides (i.e. mancozeb and/orcopper-based fungicides) during fruitdevelopment. In mango, avocado andpassionfruit, the strobilurin fungicideazoxystrobin (Amistar) is also registeredfor disease control and is generallyapplied up to three times during the fruitdevelopment phase. Another fungicidein the strobilurin group, pyraclostrobin,also has potential for the control of thesediseases.

This project, funded by voluntarycontributions, evaluated a range ofproducts containing pyraclostrobin(marketed by Nufarm Australia) forthe control of fruit diseases in mango,avocado, passionfruit and lychee.

Fungicide evaluations in this project were

undertaken by conducting a series offield trials for each crop. For avocado,passionfruit and lychee, a range ofproducts were initially screened in thefield during the first season. The bestperforming fungicide was selected

for further evaluation in field trialsincorporating anti-resistance strategies.

Cabrio (pyraclostrobin) was identifiedas the most effective fungicide for thecontrol of anthracnose in avocado,particularly when tank-mixed with theprotectant Polyram (metiram). A single

late season Cabrio

application was alsoeffective for anthracnose control.

Based on overall performance offungicides, a focus on obtainingregistration for Cabrio for fruit diseasecontrol in avocado, passionfruit andlychee is recommended.

From a scientific viewpoint, this work hasshown that pyraclostrobin has activityagainst Colletotrichum gloeosporioides,Septoria passifloraeand to some extentanamorphs ofBotryosphaeria spp. It

has also shown that boscalid has activityagainst Septoria passiflorae.

Management of fungicide resistance is animportant issue for strobilurin fungicidessuch as pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin.A component of any future worktherefore should include reinforcing themessage of correct fungicide usage togrowers, particularly once these productsbecome registered for use. Further fieldstudies to optimise the application ofthese fungicides for fruit disease controlwould also be of benefit.

Project MT06055


Dr Lindy Coates, Agri-Science Queensland

T 07 3896 9468

E [email protected]

Fruit flies directly impact on crop qualityand are the single most significantphytosanitary barrier for domestic andinternational market access.

In the near future, some of the commonchemicals currently registered for fruit flypre-harvest and postharvest treatmentsare likely to have their usage significantlyreduced.

Alternative treatments, especially forQueensland fruit fly (Q-fly), need to be

developed in order to maintain cropprotection and market access.

Systems approaches, which link twoor more independent managementtechniques, offer a promising alternative.Unfortunately, however, much of theunderpinning science is not available.

This project aims to identify theseknowledge gaps in Q-fly biology andecology pertinent to the developmentand/or refinement of managementtools. A formal scientific literature reviewof Q-fly biology and ecology - the firstever produced for this pest - has beencompleted.

The review identified key areas of scientificweakness including knowledge of howand why the fly moves within and betweencrops, and how and why it forages forprotein and the chemical attractant, cue-lure.

Knowing such information is vital for thedevelopment and refinement of pre-harvestcontrols, protein bait sprays and the MaleAnnihilation Technique (MAT).

Having identified the gap, research ispursuing these areas by quantifying whereflies occur and where flies forage for

protein on individual plants within orchards

to allow better placement of protein and

MAT.

Preliminary results on protein foraging

show that the Q-fly searches for protein

at heights greater than 1.3m above the

ground, implying that protein should

preferentially be applied to the mid and

upper canopy of orchards.

Ecology and preharvest control of fruit fliesThe project has completed its first field

season and will run for two more seasons -

2010/11 and 2011/12.

Project MT08036


A/Prof Tony Clarke, CRC For National Plant

Biosecurity

T 07 3138 5023

E [email protected]

Adult Queensland fruit fly


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4

Improving yield & quality through

disease managementIt is important to continually evaluateand improve the disease managementpractices currently employed by theavocado industry and assess newapproaches so that tree health andfruit quality can be managed in anenvironment demanding cost-effectivemethods of production that areacceptable to local and internationalmarkets.

Rootstock material that establishes and

grows well at sites heavily infested withPhytophthora cinnamomiwas identified.Further selections made available, fromseedling and clonal origin, were plantedat a trial site earlier in 2010 for continuedevaluation and identification of promisingmaterial. It is expected that some of thissuperior material will become availableto growers within the next few years.In the interim, the industry relies oneffective use of potassium phosphonateapplications to manage Phytophthoraroot rot, particularly in higher rainfall

areas.Results show that in the cultivar Reed,the optimal time for phosphonateinjections is late winter, when most ofthe oil-building metabolic activity in fruithas slowed down and they are no longer

a priority sink for photosynthates andphosphonate. Injecting earlier resultedin unacceptable levels of residue in fruitflesh. Foliar sprays through winter did notcause excessive flesh residues, but levelsof phosphonate in roots were lower thanafter injections.

Other major constraints to fruit qualityare postharvest anthracnose and stemend rot disease, and there is pressure toinvestigate non-traditional approaches

and products to assist in management.Two carbonate-based productsreduced anthracnose disease levelsin a preliminary trial where harvestedHass fruit were dipped in solutions ofa range of different products prior toripening. Data from the first trials, wherea selection of these products wereapplied in the field from early fruit set,are currently being analysed, but initialindications are that disease is less insome treatments. These trials will berepeated and results will be reported toindustry.

Project AV07000


Elizabeth Dann, Agri-Science Queensland

T 07 3896 9468

E [email protected]

There are increasing demands on growersto optimise fruit yield and quality,reduce chemical use, develop marketopportunities, meet consumer expectationsand to remain competitive. An increasein public awareness and concern for theenvironment has also led to an increasein demand for safer food and moreenvironmentally sensitive productionmethods.

The objective of the project is to: identify sustainable practices that are

currently employed by avocado growersacross Australia

conduct trials to evaluate theeffectiveness of these strategies againstcurrent industry standards

provide recommendations for inclusioninto a revised orchard managementsystem.

A total of 23 sites have been selected ascase studies from the major productionareas across Australia (including North,Central and Southern Queensland,Northern and Central NSW, the Tri-State area and WA). A range of orchardmanagement practices and productsare being used, including: mulching,natural mineral fertilisers, fish and kelpconcentrates, composts, teas and otherbrewed microbes, molasses and branchscoring.

Growers from each site provide informationon: tree age and spacing; the timingof flowering, vegetative flushing andharvesting; and details on their nutrition,irrigation, pest, disease and othermanagement practices. The effectivenessof each orchard management system interms of cost of operation, impact on tree

Developing sustainable orchard management practiceshealth, yield, fruit size and quality and thenet return per hectare will be determined.

Trials have been established to testthe effectiveness of a range of orchardmanagement practices.

Mulching trials

A trial investigating the effect of mulchingtreatments on tree growth, fruit yieldand quality was established in CentralQueensland during September 2009.Two and a half year-old Hass trees weremulched with filter-press (a sugar industryby-product), avocado chip and cane-topsto a depth of five, 10 and 20 centimetres,respectively. A grower treatment (inter-rowslashings with a thin layer of filter-press ofless than two centimetres) was included forcomparison.

In the first year of the experiment therewas no significant effect on shoot growthand yield. However, all mulch treatmentstended to reduce the severity andincidence of fruit rots and disorders.

Soil and foliar treatments

A range of soil and foliar treatments werealso established in Central and SouthernQueensland in September/October 2009.These trials were harvested in June anddata will be analysed in July.

Branch scoring trials

The effect of branch scoring on fruit sizeand yield was investigated at severalsites across Australia. Results indicatethat branch scoring may provide a non-

chemical approach for increasing croppingin vigorous avocado trees, particularly insouthern growing regions.

Evaluation of several orchard managementpractices is ongoing and further trials willbe establish in other growing regionsduring the 2010/11 season.

Project AV08020


Dr John Leonardi, Avocados Australia

T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]


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Maintaining dimethoate and fenthion useDimethoate and fenthion were registered

many decades ago. Existing registrations

may be based on residue data that is

now considered insufficient, out-dated,

or inconsistent with current use patterns.

Efforts are progressing to maintain as

many registered uses of dimethoate and

fenthion as possible following a review by

the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary

Medicines Authority (APVMA). The review

requested that extra data be generated

for most of the crops that appear on the

label of products that contain dimethoate

or fenthion to ensure that pesticide

products meet improved safety and

performance standards.

The review generated data on the

residues that remain in produce following

pre-harvest sprays and postharvest dips.

A large, multi-industry project was

conducted to generate the data that

APVMA require, which began in 2007 and

was completed in June 2010.

A Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) residue

report was submitted to the APVMA so that

they can complete their review.

Until the APVMA complete this process, it

is unclear what the maximum residue level

(MRL) of these pesticides will be accepted

for each crop. Once the acceptable MRL is

established, this will determine which uses

will remain registered on product labels.

Project MT06022


Dale Griffin, Crop Protection Research

T 03 9005 9041

E [email protected]

Three multi-industry-funded projects haveinvested significant research to assist thepollination of Australias horticultural andagricultural crops into the future on asustainable and profitable basis.

Future surveillance needs for

honeybee biosecurity

A risk-based framework has been soughtfor considering the costs and benefits ofsurveillance systems for honeybee pestsand diseases. The use of sentinel hives

in monitoring exotic pest incursions hasbeen clarified and could deliver positivecost-effective outcomes to detect exoticbee mites (notably Varroa and Tropilaelapsspp).

However, a lack of knowledge as to howsensitive they are at actually detectingthe mites is undermining their use as asurveillance method.

The risk-based framework developed canbe used in future studies to determinehow the National Sentinel Hive Program

(NSHP) can be improved. There is scopeto optimise the current NSHP and, whilesentinel hives are beneficial in the earlydetection of exotic bee mites, the currentsurveillance for the early detection of Asianhoneybees (A. cerana) is ineffective andneeds to be re-examined.

Pollination simulation: a report on

two scenario driven workshops

These workshops tested and recommendedimprovements to emergency responsearrangements for a honeybee disease/pest incursion that have implications forthe pollination sector. It also re-appraisedpollination transition arrangements thatwould be used following the establishmentof a honeybee disease or pest.

The workshop considered the containment

or management of Varroa if eradicationusing the arrangements in the EmergencyAnimal Disease Response Agreement(EADRA) are not feasiblement are ne.Containment and managot covered by anyformal arrangements at this stage. From theworkshop, there was:

recognition that eradication may not bepossible

exploration of possible transitionarrangements and implicationsregarding cost sharing

discussion on potential projectsfor developing business continuitystrategies and a broader level ofpreparedness

knowledge of pesticide registrationprocesses and a decision that HAL willwork with Pollination Australia on this.

Protecting Australias pollination

The eradication response strategy isoutlined in the AUSVETPLAN DiseaseStrategy for eradication but there are noguidelines for management.

The importance of beingpollination aware

The value and importance of pollinationto Australian rural industry production,and key pollination management issuesfrom enterprise to national level, wereconsidered through a case study-basedapproach.

The project considered the need fordefined standards for the collection,recording and reporting of pollinationdata, and identifying opportunities forimproving the effectiveness and efficiency

of pollination in Australia.

Projects MT08044, MT08048, MT08079


Dr Dave Alden, RIRDC

T 02 6271 4128

E [email protected]


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6

ASSISTING PRODUCERS TO ACHIEVE BUSINESS GOALS

The WA avocado industry has beenundergoing rapid growth in recent yearsthat has seen many people new to avocadoproduction enter the industry. This project,funded by voluntary contribution, wasdesigned to provide structured andfunded processes to identify technology ofbenefit to the WA avocado industry, and

then design and implement strategies tomaximise the flow of this information to theindustry.

The key outputs for this past year havebeen a literature review into the issueof irregular crop loads with particularreference to cool climate production,investigations into the use of GA3 asa potential tool to moderate alternatebearing, and investigations into theflowering sequence of various avocadovarieties under the conditions of thelower south west region to identify likelysuitability for cross-pollination of the Hassvariety.

Project AV06002


Alec McCarthy, DAFWA

T 08 9780 6273

E [email protected]

Improving technology uptake in the WA avocado industry

Hass flowers showing honey bee foraging on a functionally male flower with a functionally femaleflower in the foreground

Phytophthora is the most serious pre-harvest disease in avocados, causing$40 million in lost production and fruitdowngrading (mainly sunburn andsmall size) per year. Growers spendapproximately $3.5 million per year onchemical prevention practices alone,excluding the cost of other culturalpractices designed to reduce the effect ofthe disease.

A project investigating RNA silencing(RNAi) to engineer avocado rootstocks

for resistance to Phytophthora root rotis currently underway. RNA silencing canprovide high-level pathogen resistance,which could make a substantial differenceto the cost involved in management of theroot rot disease.

RNAi-mediated resistance does not involveexpression for foreign proteins in the plant.

The modification for imparting resistancewill be limited to the rootstock; the graftedscion will remain non-transgenic and willproduce GM-free fruit. No alterationsare envisaged in the ability of the scionsagronomic characteristics.

The project involved the design of double-stranded RNA virus (dsRNA) constructsto target essential genes in Phytophthoracinnamomito deliver resistance.

A model plant Arabidopsis thaliana

was transformed with the same dsRNAconstructs used for avocado with thepresence ofP.cinnamomi-specific smallinterfering RNAs by RNA blot analysis.Resistance screening of transgenic plants iscurrently underway.

Somatic embryos of five cultivars (Reed,Duke 7, Hass, A10 and Velvick) were

successfully obtained. Three to four

weeks after subculturing the somatic

embryos, they are of a suitable size for

transformations to be carried out.

Transformation of approximately 100,000

somatic embryos with selected dsRNA

constructs targeting P. cinnamomiis in

progress. The time required for shoot

generation from transformed embryos may

be 14-18 weeks. Techniques for efficient

and reliable shoot development from

transformed embryos are currently beinginvestigated.

Project AV08002


Dr Neena Mitter, Agri-Science Queensland

T 0434 628 094

E [email protected]

RNA silencing for Phytophthora-resistant rootstocks


19/28

17

Achieving globally competitive avocadosAvocado consumption must keeppace with expansion in plantingsand production to keep the industryprofitable. Avocado production isexpanding rapidly in countries with low

production costs and imports of cheapfruit pose one of the greatest threats tothe Australian avocado industry.

It is essential to improve competitivenessfor the long-term viability of the industry.Much of the technology and informationto achieve better quality and productivityis already available but adoption needsto be improved.

The aim of this project was to improvethe productivity and fruit quality of theAustralian avocado industry thoughbetter communication of technology and

production knowledge to growers.The main strategy was to establish nineregional grower study groups acrossAustralia and to conduct workshops forthese groups on topics chosen by them.The topics were on production issues that

growers identified as limiting their ability to

improve yield and fruit quality.

Six workshops were conducted for eachof the five biggest production areas whilst

three workshops were conducted for each

of the other four production areas. In all,42 workshops were conducted with theassistance of expert guest speakers andwere followed-up with comprehensive

illustrated minutes and copies of thepresentations.

The project drew upon the knowledge and

skills of RD&E officers across the countryfor input into workshops and information

material.

During the 2009/10 year a total of eightworkshops were held around the country

with an average attendance of 45 permeeting. Topics covered included disease

management, canopy management, soiland orchard floor management, weed

control, marketing, integrated pestmanagement and nutrition.

A survey to 638 growers was distributedwith 89 per cent saying they had madechanges to their farming practices as aresult of the project.

Project AV06003


Simon Newett, Agri-Science Queensland

T 07 5453 5800

E [email protected]

Tony Whiley from Sunshine HorticultureServices explains to a WA study group thetheory and management of biennial bearingand rootstock selection

A web-based database has been built witha search and filtering tool for both journalarticles of all known avocado research andfor all resources collected and maintainedby Avocados Australia over the last 35years. In this project, the supply chain isdefined as production though to consumerand includes ripening, wholesaling,independent retailing, specialist producedistribution, food service distribution/catering, and processing functions.

The services login

Key supply chain resources on the web

It is recognised that a wide variety offactors affecting fruit quality, productivityand supply chain efficiency are interrelated,therefore the Supply Chain ImprovementProgram (of which this project is onecomponent) was developed.

The Australian Avocado Industry StrategicPlan 2005-2010 identifies eating qualityof avocados, productivity and supplychain efficiency as priority areas for theindustry to address. The project, AvocadoSupply Chain Mapping and Resource

Audit(AV06026), identified a wide rangeof existing resources that that were hard toaccess.

The two databases are available onceundertaking a simple registration process atindustry.avocado.org.au.

Project AV08025



T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]


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8

INDUSTRY, ORGANISATION, RESOURCING & MANAGEMENT

The avocado industry identified the needfor an environmental audit in its

2005 - 2010 Strategic Plan. The purposeof conducting an environmental audit

was to provide the avocado industry with

data to support its management of naturalresources, to demonstrate those practices

to interested parties and to identifyopportunities for improving on-farm

practices.

The objective of this project was

to determine the current level of

understanding and implementationof environmentally responsible

agricultural practices among Australianavocado growers. The project provides

complementary and contextual information

relating to community attitudes andchemical residues from which to consider

Environmentally responsible agricultural practicesthe results. Information was collectedthrough surveys and interviews of 328

growers, representing around 40 percent of the industry. Involvement in the

survey process alone has helped raise theenvironmental awareness of all participating

growers.

The contextual information relating to

community attitudes revealed a persistentconcern for the implications of fruit

production on human health, particularlyrelating to chemical spraying, and to a

lesser degree on the environment. Surveysin the Bundaberg community returned onlyone mention of avocado growing in the

unprompted answers, which demonstratesthe relatively good or neutral position that

the avocado industry holds in the minds offruit consumers.

4th Australian & New Zealand Avocado Conference 2009

The 2009 Australian and New ZealandAvocado Growers Conference, Avocadosfor Life was the fourth joint conferenceover the last 12 years. The Conferenceprovided over 455 industry members withan opportunity to gain further information,both from Australia and overseas onthe latest research and trends to workthrough issues affecting the industry. TheConference was also an opportunity forgrowers and industry representatives fromallied sectors from throughout Australiaand NZ to renew acquaintances and

further develop business relationships tostrengthen the two industries.

An exciting line-up of 65 speakers fromthe international arena, Australia andNZ presented the latest knowledge

commercial links that industry hasdeveloped and maintained.

The conference program was developedto appeal to growers, researchers andrelated industry sectors. Over 70 per centof attendees were growers. The conferencewas designed to provide all attendeeswith an opportunity to gain a greaterunderstanding of industry issues and eventsthrough attendance at plenary sessions andfield visits.

The conference proceedings/papers havebeen distributed to delegates online atindustry.avocado.org.au

Project AV08031


Courtney Vane, Avocados Australia

T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]

and understanding of important issues

relevant to successful avocado production

and marketing. Areas covered included:flowering and fruit set; yield, fruit size and

production; new germplasm and global

breeding programs; pest and disease

control strategies; integrated production

systems and the impact on market access;postharvest quality and outturn; competing

in a global world; building demand;

promotions and marketing; and customer

trends and expectations.

The conference contained a number of

field visits and networking sessions where

growers and other industry representatives

had the opportunity to interact withpresenters. Over 23 sponsors participatedin the conference, demonstrating the

Additional contextual information onchemical heavy metal residue testingdetermined high levels of Australian legallimit compliance. A watching brief andpreparatory grower education on theinternational market trend towards zerotolerance is required to ensure that theavocado industry remains at the forefront ofinnovative and good agricultural practices.

Among growers in the avocado industry,there is currently a moderate to high levelof understanding and implementation ofenvironmentally responsible agriculturalpractices, with a few areas that warrantimprovement and/or monitoring.

Project AV08001

Jane Lovell, TQA Australia

T 03 6423 6008

E [email protected]


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Avocado program evaluationThe avocado program evaluation ispart of a series of economic impactassessments being completed by HALon an industry basis to comply withAustralian Government requirements.

Four randomly selected clusters ofavocado industry R&D investments wereevaluated:

Plant protection investments: 10projects that addressed issues suchas avocado sunblotch viroid, fruit

spotting bug, fungal diseases of fruitand roots, and red-shouldered leafbeetle control

Postharvest and fruit quality:eight projects that addressed themaintenance of postharvest fruitquality, qualities of avocados forhuman health, processed avocadoquality and the potential for anavocado oil extraction industry

The supply chain cluster: nineprojects that addressed market

reporting, quality systems, supplychain mapping, the food servicesector, and retail quality and pricesurveys

Market and consumer researchprojects: six projects that included

consumer attitudes, healthprofessional usage and attitudes,

quality surveys and sensory research,

and processed avocado marketresearch.

The evaluation included assessmentof all R&D costs, description of project

activities and outputs, identification

of project outcomes, translation ofoutcomes into benefits and quantification

of current and forecast industry and

public spillover benefits. Modelling wasrequired and an independent review of

the analysis was completed.

Benefit cost ratios for agricultural R&Dare typically between three and 11 for

successful programs. The avocado R&D

demonstrated an average benefit cost

ratio of nine for every dollar invested.

Program evaluation results have been

used to inform the Analytical Business

Case that guides the new AvocadoIndustry Strategic Plan 2010-2015.

Project AV08029


Michael Clarke, AgEconPlus

T 0438 844 024

E [email protected]

Fruit flies are a large and important groupof insect pests that globally attack a widerange of fruit and vegetables and can havea major impact on Australias capacityto trade in domestic and internationalhorticultural markets that have an averageannual value of $4.8 billion.

In November, 2008, the Federal Minister ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry releaseda draft National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS)as an initiative to implement an effectivenational management strategy for the

control of all fruit fly species in Australia.

To direct the implementation of thedraft, this project was initiated to providesupport, in partnership with the AustralianGovernment, for the formation and workof an expert based NFFS ImplementationCommittee (IC).

With reference to an analysis of thecommodity supply chain, the committeereviewed and prioritised the initiativeswithin the draft and developed acomprehensive implementation Action

Plan. It outlines 15 key projects, togetherwith a governance structure, that aredesigned to facilitate an enhanced andsustainable national approach to themanagement of fruit flies in Australia.

After the release of the draft NFFS ActionPlan in October 2009, followed by a twomonth period for public consultation,the NFFS Action Plan was finalised andreleased in May 2010.

To complement the draft Action Plan, thecommittee proposes to commission furthereconomic analysis of the specific projectsin 2010. This willoutline general benefitsto growers, government agencies and thewider community and form the basis of aninvestment plan that will match actions withcosts and benefits.

Project MT08080


Nicholas Woods, Plant Health Australia

T 02 6215 7704

E [email protected]

Structured approach to fruit fly research & management

Male fruit fly (Drosophila funebris)


22/28

0

Essential avocado communication toolsCommunication is absolutely essential tostay in business in todays world, and its apriority to keep a constant watch on anyand every piece of information that willimprove the bottom line of the avocado

business. Avocados Australia providesgrowers with a mix of communication tools.Talking Avocadosand the websitewww.avocado.org.au form the current suiteof communication tools.

Improving Avocado Quality:With a Little Help from Alvin Avocado

Consumer Sensory Testing

for Shepard Dry Matter

Avocado Promotional Activity for 2009/10

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 PrintPost Approved - 44307/0006 Volume 21 No 2

Talking AvocadosWinter 2010 Edition

www.avocado.org.au

Industry Strategic PlanIn early 2010 the process to develop theindustrys next strategic plan began. TheAvocado Industry Advisory Committee(IAC) and the Avocados Australia Boardwere keen to build on the vision anddirection of the 2005-2010 plan, whichhas served the industry well.

After review of the outcomes from theprevious plan and assessment of thecurrent state of the industry, a series ofworkshops were held with key industry

stakeholders. These workshops looked atpossible future scenarios that may impactthe industry and aimed to capture thestrategies and actions the industry willneed to realise its full potential.

The new draft plan articulates thefollowing:

Industry strategic intent: AustralianAvocados everyday for a healthy life.

Industry key aspirations: The Australianavocado industry aspires to be:

a growing, progressive, profitable and

sustainable industry

a leader in product, supply chain andindustry development innovation.

The industry aims to deliver to itscustomers:

a consistent, good quality product

innovation and choice

a product that is recognised andappreciated as Australian and anessential health food.

These aspirations aim to place Australianavocados as an everyday food option/purchase with consumers.

The objectives and strategies of the newplan focus on building sustainable andprofitable supply, driving demand andensuring there are sufficient resourcesand appropriate structures to supportindustry development.

The draft plan has been made availableto the broader industry for comment andafter consideration a final plan will beavailable in late October 2010.

Project AV09008


Jenny Margetts, p2p business solutions

T 07 3366 2710

E [email protected]

Talking Avocados

Talking Avocadoscontinues to be animportant and effective communication toolfor the industry. Published quarterly, anddistributed to approximately 1,100 growersacross Australia, Talking Avocadosupdatesgrowers on industry R&D, marketing,industry matters and avocado informationfrom around the world.

The reports are easy-to-read, practicalsummaries for growers.

www.avocado.org.au

The website remains an essential vehicleof communication as it continues togrow in content. The public pages of thewebsite offer up-to-date information forconsumers, the food service industry,growers, the media and members of thesupply chain. Consumers have access to aplethora of information about avocados,including hundreds of avocado recipeideas, important health and nutritionalinformation, and a talk to an expert forum.

The website also contains a grower-onlylogin section that provides all registeredAustralian avocado growers with fullversions of R&D final reports and marketingupdates.

Project AV08045


Antony Allen, Avocados Australia

T 07 3846 6566

E [email protected]


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21

INVESTING IN AUSTRALIAN HORTICULTURE

Australian Government priorities

Climate Variability andClimate Change (8.4%)

Biosecurity (5.9%)

Innovation Skills (14.6%)

Technology (5.3%)

Productivity andAdding Value (26.3%)

Supply Chain andMarkets (30.7%)

Natural ResourcesManagement (8.9%)

As part of the Australian Governments

commitment to rural research and

development, horticulture industries

can access matching Commonwealth

funding though HAL for all research and

development activities.

The Australian Governments Rural

Research and Development Priorities

aim to foster innovation and guide R&D

effort in the face of continuing economic,

environmental and social change. HALs

operations are closely aligned with these

priorities.

This chart shows the percentage of

expenditure in HALs avocado R&D

program against each of the Australian

Government priorities for rural research and

development. Full details of expenditure

across all industries is available in HALs

annual report at www.horticulture.com.au

Productivity and Adding Value

Improve the productivity and profitabilityof existing industries and support thedevelopment of viable new industries.

Supply Chain and Markets

Better understand and respond todomestic and international market andconsumer requirements and improve

the flow of such information throughthe whole supply chain, including toconsumers.

Natural Resource Management

Support effective management ofAustralias natural resources to ensureprimary industries are both economicallyand environmentally sustainable.

Climate Variability and

Climate Change

Build resilience to climate variabilityand adapt to and mitigate the effects ofclimate change.

Biosecurity

Protect Australias community, primaryindustries and environment frombiosecurity threats.

Innovation Skills

Improve the skills to undertake researchand apply its findings.

Technology

Promote the development of new andexisting technologies.

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is anot-for-profit industry owned company.

Its role is to manage the expenditureof funds collected by the AustralianGovernment on behalf of horticultureindustries.

HAL invests over $90 million annually inprojects to benefit horticulture industries

and the wider community.An Industry Advisory Committee (IAC)is established for each industry witha statutory levy and annual incomeexceeding $150,000. The IAC makesrecommendations to HAL on the

expenditure of funds.

The Industry Representative Body

(IRB) for an industry is responsible for

recommending to HAL the establishment

of, and any changes to, statutory levies.

The IRB for an industry with a statutory

levy recommends membership of the

IAC to HAL and must demonstrate how

the skills required on an IAC are metby the persons they recommend for

appointment to the committee.

For more information please visit

www.horticulture.com.au

Consultation fundingConsultation funding is paid by HAL tocover costs for IAC meetings, annuallevy payers meetings and costs withinthe partnership agreement betweenHAL and the member industry that arespecified as consultation, for exampleR&D program consultation.

In 2009/10 $298,936 of consultationfunding was provided to AvocadosAustralia Limited.

In 2009/10 Avocados Australia Limitedacted as the service provider on 10projects.

Full details can be found on pages 23to 24 of this report.

Relationships and roles relating to HAL


24/28

2

ACROSS INDUSTRY PROGRAM

The avocado industry contributes funding towards an across industry program that addresses issues affecting all of horticulture. Details of the current

program are listed below. A full report of the program can be found at http://www.horticulture.com.au/industries/across_industry_program.asp

Project

No

Project

Title

Levy or

VC

Project

start

Project

completion

Organisation Name

Objective 1: To enhance the efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and integrity of the supply chain

AH07033Incident Response Protocol - developmentand training for horticulture

Levy 21-Apr-08 30-Sep-09 Control RisksJulian Heath02 9279 0099

AH09009 Food security discussion paper Levy 01-Apr-10 28-May-10Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Richard Bennett03 5825 3753

Objective 2: Maximise the health benefits of horticultural products

AH07006Promoting the health advantage of fruit andvegetable to increase their consumption

Levy 01-Jul-07 30-Jun-10Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Chris Rowley02 8901 0329

AH07007 Horticulture Wellbeing Initiative Levy 27-Jun-08 31-Jul-09Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Natalie Weigand02 8295 2300

Objective 3: Position horticulture to compete in a globalised environment

AH07002 HAL Market Access Coordination Levy 01-Jul-07 01-Oct-09Stephen Winter &Associates Pty Ltd

Stephen Winter03 9832 0787

AH07003Market access support program (followsproject AH05034)

Levy 30-Jun-08 01-Oct-09Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Kim James08 6389 1407

AH09012 Codex participation 2009-10 Levy 01-Oct-09 28-May-10Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Richard Bennett03 5825 3753

AH09018Office of Horticulture Market Access NationalDirector

Levy 01-Apr-10 28-Feb-12Stephen Winter &Associates Pty Ltd


AH09019

Office of Horticulture Market Access

Technical (SPS and Research andDevelopment) Manager

Levy 01-Oct-09 30-Sep-10 Kalang Consultants Rob Duthie02 6286 7151

AH09021Office of Horticulture Market Access -Operations Support

Levy 01-Sep-09 31-Dec-11Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Wayne Prowse02 8295 2300

AH09023 Health and well-being in horticulture Levy 01-Nov-09 01-Nov-10Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Chris Rowley02 8901 0329

AH09026Productivity Commission Study on Bilateraland Regional Trade Agreements

Levy 08-Feb-10 31-Mar-10Stephen Winter &Associates Pty Ltd


HG08061 Market Access R&D Support Service VC 01-Jul-08 01-Oct-09 Kalang ConsultantsRob Duthie02 6286 7151

Objective 4: Achieve long term viability and sustainability for Australian horticulture

AH04007 Pesticide Regulation Coordinator Levy 05-Jul-04 31-Jul-09AKC Consulting Pty

Ltd

Kevin Bodnaruk

02 9499 3833

AH08003 Analysis of Horticulture's carbon footprint Levy 20-Feb-09 23-Oct-09Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Lyndall Miller02 8295 2300

AH08014Horticulture industry consultation on Awardmodernisation

Levy 17-Nov-08 30-Nov-09Horticulture AustraliaLimited

Dr R

Documents

Avo-Industry Anual Report 20092010