Avocado growers and supply chain businesses will congregate in Manjimup next week to gain insights into the latest research and market intelligence to help the burgeoning industry grow and thrive.
Avocado growers and supply chain businesses will congregate in Manjimup next week to gain insights into the latest research and market intelligence to help the burgeoning industry grow and thrive.
While annual production fluctuates significantly, an average of about 50,000 tonnes of WA avocados is produced each year, worth as much as $290 million - with volumes continuing to grow as orchards mature and come online.
The WA Avocado Grower Regional Forum, hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), will share local and national research, technical information and market updates from its officers, Avocados Australia, Hort Innovation and partners.
The forum is being delivered as part of the Avocado Industry Development and Extension project, funded by Hort Innovation with co-investment from DPIRD and its Queensland and NSW counterparts, to help build industry profitability, preparedness and competitiveness.
DPIRD research scientist Rachelle Johnstone said the Regional Forum supported the project's focus on promoting best management practices to improve fruit quality, lift exports and boost yields.
"This five year project is helping lay strong foundations to optimise avocado production, drawing on scientific expertise, knowledge and experiences from across the country and around the world," she said.
"The forum is an important annual opportunity to share research outcomes and practical knowledge, while holding space to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry."
The morning session will focus on industry development, with market insights and export updates from Avocados Australia, including a panel discussion on how export development will contribute to industry's long term growth targets.
This will be followed by research presentations on nutrition management to improve fruit quality, fine tuning calcium, refining handling practices to deliver better quality fruit and benchmarking and crop pollination.
The afternoon will feature a Round Robin 'ask the experts' session, followed by a local orchard walk to discuss carbohydrate management, canopy management and calcium loading.
"The technical theme of this year's Regional Forum is 'yield consistency and quality', providing an opportunity to discuss the unique challenges associated with avocado production in the orchard and the marketplace," Ms Johnstone said.
"The forum plays a key role in bringing growers, industry and researchers together to share knowledge and ensure its practical application in the orchard."
The WA Avocado Grower Regional Forum will be held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at the Macedonian Community of Manjimup Hall from 8am to 3.30pm, including the orchard walk. For more information and to register visit the Avocados Australia webpage .
The Avocado industry development and extension project (AV23010) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Western Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
