General avocado growing and handling advice
Avocados Australia Limited (AAL) provides a web-based ‘Best Practice Resource’ that contains an extensive range of information on the production and handling of avocados in Australia. A username and password are required for access, so contact AAL — see avocado industry organisations below for details.
Private horticultural advisers are available at commercial rates — check the telephone directory or internet for contacts.
Many ‘rural suppliers’ offer agronomic advice to growers who use their products — see leaf and soil analysis and fertiliser information below.
Talking to other growers is an invaluable source of information. Access this by becoming involved with your industry organisations and getting to know other local growers.
Other web resources
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales
Avocado Source by the Hofshi Foundation
Avocado industry organisations
National: Avocados Australia Limited (AAL), CEO John Tyas
PO Box 8005, Wooloongabba QLD 4102; +61 (0)7 3846 6566; fax: +61 (0)7 3846 6577; email: admin@avocado.org.au.
Western Australia/Northern Territory Directors on the AAL board:
- Mr Neil Shenton: n.shenton@avocado.org.au.
Horticultural statutory organisations
Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA): Level 8, 1 Chifley Square Sydney NSW 2000; +61 (0)2 8295 2300; fax: +61 (0)2 8295 2399
Agricultural Produce Commission (APC): 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth 6151; +61 (0)8 9368 3127; fax: +61 (0)8 9368 3128.
Leaf & soil analysis, fertilisers
Advice can often be obtained from local rural suppliers. Some of the larger groups servicing the horticultural sector include:
- CSBP Soil & Plant Analysis Lab: 2 Altona Street, Bibra Lake WA 6163; +61 (0)8 9434 4600; fax: +61 (0)8 9434 4611, analysis@csbp.com.au
- Elders Limited, Midland Office: 14 Clayton Street, Bellevue WA 6056; +61 (0)8 6350 3300 (or contact your nearest branch).
For more options try the Yellow Pages under ‘Farm & agricultural advisory services’, ‘Fertilisers’ or ‘Farm equipment & supplies’.
Pest, disease & weed identification (including phytophthora)
MyPestGuide Reporter mobile application, available for iPhone, android and web based devices allows for electronic images to be sent to DAFWA for identification.
AGWEST Plant Laboratories: +61 (0)8 9368 3721; email: agwestplantlabs@agric.wa.gov.au.
Avocados Australia Limited's web based 'Best Practice Resource'.
Chemical advice
Advice can often be obtained from your local rural supplier on controlling pests and diseases. Alternatively, contact the manufacturers directly. Contact details for most can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Chemical – Agricultural’.
The Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates the registration, use patterns and maximum residue limits of all agricultural chemicals in Australia, including the issue of 'minor use' permits.
All staff using chemicals need to be suitably trained. A range of organisations train and accredit users of agricultural chemicals.
One is AusChem Training WA: PO Box 1003 Bentley DC WA 6983; +61 (0)8 9368 3323; email: office@auschemwa.com.au.
Irrigation design
Advice is best sought from qualified and experienced commercial irrigation designers. A list of certified irrigation designers can be sourced from Irrigation Australia Limited.
Alternative contact details can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Irrigation &/or reticulation systems’.
Speak with other growers in your area about their experiences.
Fruit and tree movements
To protect the long-term sustainability of agricultural industries, regulations restrict the movement of agricultural products into and out of Western Australia. For more information contact Quarantine WA: +61 (0)8 9334 1800.
Packaging and labels
- Visy: 6 Modal Street, Canning Vale WA 6105; +61 (0)8 9256 5613
- Orora Fibre Packaging: +61 (0)8 8268 0211.
For labels, check out the Yellow Pages under ‘Labels – self-adhesive’.
Pollination services
BeeAware is a national organisation that provides information on beekeeping and pollination.