T H E N E W Z E A L A N D AV O C A D O G R O W E R S ’ J O U R N A L
Inside this Issue l
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Introducing Jen Scoular new AIC/AGA CEO Controlling Greenhouse Thrips Record breaking growers Market reviews
• EMS feature
MARCH 2011
Directors Bay of Plenty Ashby Whitehead Ph 07 573 6680 alwhitehead@xtra.co.nz Far North Ian Broadhurst Ph 09 406 7308 m. 021 395 906 bernian.avos@xtra.co.nz Mid North Mike Eagles Ph 09 434 7271 m.eagles@xtra.co.nz At Large Roger Barber (Vice Chairman NZ AGA) Ph/Fax 09 435 0785 barbers@ihug.co.nz Kim Crocker Ph 07 548 1090 kim_crocker@orcon.net.nz John Schnackenberg (Chairman NZ AGA/AIC) Ph 07 549 0717 jschnack@ihug.co.nz Tony Ponder Ph 07 572 3019 tony@southernproduce.co.nz Rest of NZ David French Ph 09 238 3359 or 0274 375 315 famille@ps.gen.nz
Contents
Export Directors John Carroll, Andrew Darling.
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Chairman’s Comment
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Introducing Jen Scoular
7
Controlling Greenhouse Thrips
19
EMS feature
14
Avogreen
19
Outreach
22
Regional Roundups
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Avocentric Record breaking growers
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By AGA chairman John Schnackenberg
Understanding industry acronyms Firstly, on behalf of the Board and our industry I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new CEO Jen Scoular. We are delighted to have Jen on board and thank the AIC staff for their continued effort during their time without a CEO. We are all looking forward to Jen getting her feet firmly under the desk and driving our industry forward. Jen will initially be meeting growers and key stakeholders. Feel free to make contact with her as the opportunity arises – we are a diverse industry and it is important to us all that Jen is able to get a good understanding of the industry. We believe Jen’s background in NZ and internationally in export, marketing and finance will be invaluable to the avocado industry and growers.
Horticultural Export Authority Model Single Desk Seller
Free Market
One exporter controls all exported product
Anyone can export
NZ HEA Model No legislation specifically controlling who can export or what quality, size, packaging or grade is acceptable
Voluntary use of a set of rules with legislative backing Product groups can and do opt in or out of the system Exporters are required to meet licensing criteria
Acronyms HEA, AGA, AIC, AVEC, RPG, EMS, AVANZA, ARC and GIA. Our lives are full of acronyms and these are just a few New Zealand avocado growers currently have to get their heads around. A little background Our grower organisation, now NZ Avocado Growers’ Association Inc or AGA, started life as the NZ Avocado Promotions Society. Some may think when we took promotions out of the name we took it out of our activities (when crops and/or funds were low, we may well have!). Promotions however remain a core activity within the rules of the AGA – promotion of growing avocados and promotion of the fruit itself. At the last AGM growers supported a specific increase in the commodity levy, which will take effect this coming season, for a 20c per export tray promotions levy. This fund, possibly $600,000 to $700,000 in season 2011/12, will be used both domestically and within our export markets, as determined in conjunction with local marketers and exporters. As our industry developed, and exporting of fruit commenced it was recognised by both growers and exporters alike that the best results for NZ avocado growers would be achieved in the grower/exporter partnership model provided for under the NZ Horticultural Export Authority, or HEA, through which grade, size and packaging standards could be set and a sensible co-operative/collaborative approach could be encouraged that managed crop flow to markets. 4
The HEA legislation required that there be a recognised product group (RPG) which is responsible for the export management of avocados. This group is also required to have exporter and grower participation. At the time it was not appropriate to expand the AGA to include registered avocado exporters. A new entity, Avocado Industry Council Limited (AIC) was formed to serve this statutory purpose for avocados. The AIC was owned jointly by the AGA and the Horticultural Exporters Council – one share each. In the last five years the AGA has acquired the HEC share and now owns AIC outright. AIC had six directors; four appointed by the AGA and two appointed by the unincorporated grouping of registered avocado exporters, AVEC, the Avocado Exporters’ Council. With our recent modest restructuring of AGA and AIC management, we are now operating primarily through the AIC. To ensure all AGA elected reps are engaged and operating as ‘directors’, all eight become directors of the AIC on being
elected to the AGA, and together with the two AVEC directors, we have a Board of 10. The specific functions required of the AIC as the recognised product group for avocados have been delegated to a Board committee – the RPG – which is constituted exactly as it was under the smaller AIC (four AGA directors and the two AVEC appointed directors). This committee’s functions are the development and maintenance of the Export Marketing Strategy, the EMS, and oversight of the management of exports of avocados delegated to the CEO and AIC staff. HEA and our EMS The HEA model does not guarantee nirvana for growers, but it only takes a quick look over the fence at pipfruit, beef and lamb or the wool industry to see that all is not well under de-regulation. (An HEA equivalent does not exist for the later two but I would suggest they take a close look at the HEA model.) At the other extreme kiwifruit (through Zespri) has an export model that clearly works well for its
Require specific legislation controlling who can export
No legislation specifically controlling who can export or what quality, size, packaging or grade is acceptable
stakeholders, but this model is not available to others. Annually we review the EMS – usually technical changes to improve things as suggested by growers, exporters or packers. This year we are additionally being asked by the HEA to ‘restructure’ our EMS document to simplify it and bring core strategy, policy and specific strategic initiatives to the fore-front to provide an over-arching view of industry intent. The detail follows in the ‘rules’ and the Quality Manual. One of HEA’s current suggestions is that the EMS not just contains the ‘export’ strategy for the industry, but the industry’s entire strategy, so one can see how all things link together. This suggests we include domestic strategy in our EMS. While this is not able to be managed through legally enforceable rules (as the export strategy is) due to the Commerce Act, we see merit in identifying for stakeholders domestic strategic intent. Realistically, with a new CEO just onboard, we realise we are probably not able to do justice to HEA’s suggested structural 5
change this year or consult widely in the timeframe available, thus we are deferring this to next year. We will engage widely with growers and exporters to develop coherent and commonly accepted ‘policy’, thus strategy and rules. Examples of the kind of ‘policy’ statements we might consider for inclusion are: • Given the current industry size and productive potential we consider the avocado industry as a committed export focused industry; • Domestically, we must encourage consumption growth at value for the grower, and alternative processing options for low value fruit to ensure only good quality and sized avocados are sold to consumers; • As a minor avocado exporting country on the world stage we must seek premium pricing through supplying fruit with the highest food safety standards and of premium quality (AvoGreen) sustainably grown; • We encourage cooperation and collaboration amongst exporters as they develop new markets for our fruit to ensure orderly market development and premium pricing; • Imperative to existing market supply and sustainable new market development is reliable, consistent and growing supply. We must put every effort into minimising alternate bearing and increasing average orchard yields. You get the idea! Your feedback is welcome. We have an existing example of exporter
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co-operation/collaboration through the AVANZA joint venture grouping of four major exporters at their own initiative (Freshco, Global Fresh, Primor, Southern Produce/Team). They have recently incorporated themselves and have been able to avail themselves of significant NZ Trade and Enterprise funding to assist market development in Asia. AVANZA, in this example of your creation, you are now trustees of a concept strongly supported by the growers you represent and where now the whole is bigger than the sum of the parts. Avocado Research Consortium (ARC) This is an initiative of the Australian industry and now includes New Zealand, Israel and the Californian industry (for each of whom alternate bearing on Hass is a major problem) in combining to establish a joint international research project to identify the causes of alternate bearing and deliver a ‘tool box’ for growers to use to mitigate the effects and thereby to increase yields. We have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding which, on the assumption the invited science providers develop a research project designed to deliver the outcomes identified and acceptable to the signatories, will commit us to a minimum three year, possibly five year project costing us a minimum of US$100,000 per year. This is expected to have an annual value of approaching US$1m due to collective government funding from various jurisdictions.
Given the significance of resolving alternate bearing to our industry and its importance in our strategy, the Board approved the signing of this MOU at our recent meeting. Government Industry Agreements (GIA) Subsequent to my article in the previous AvoScene on this subject, we are awaiting the final ‘design’ and draft agreement for consultation. Horticultural product groups met in Wellington in mid-February to discuss issues we have with the concept. We had the CEO of the Australian organisation Plant Health Australia and the CEO of the Australian Citrus industry present to us their experience with their biosecurity model, on which MAF have to a degree modeled the GIA we are involved with. A small group will be meeting with MAF to further explore areas of concern. Shortly we will be sitting down with MAF to identify the key organisms considered a risk to avocado and start the process towards considering what would be necessary/appropriate in terms of readiness and response. I reassure you again, we are not committed to any course of action or costs at this stage. This will not be done without a full understanding of potential costs, and further consultation with the industry. However, it remains the Board’s view we are better to be engaged in the process and to have a seat at the ‘table’ with MAF than to remain mute, have no say and likely still be charged with costs associated with any avocado pest organism.
By Sheryl Brown
New head for industry Jen Scoular has moved home to the Bay of Plenty to lead the Avocado Industry Council.
Tauranga’s Jen Scoular began her new role as chief executive of the Avocado Industry Council in February. She says it’s wonderful to be in an industry that’s so healthy. Jen comes to the role having completed a four year posting as New Zealand Consul General and Trade Commissioner with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise at the New Zealand Consulate in Germany. She is known in the horticulture community having previously spent seven years with Zespri as a commercial manager and group treasurer. She left Zespri for the opportunity to work in the diplomatic role in Germany, which she says gave her a real view of how political and economic diplomacy works and functions. “It was a wonderful opportunity which involved meeting high-level people, and hearing the discussions of people who shape the world. “As the Consul General I had access to people at the highest level both
politically and in business which created a wonderful opportunity to connect NZ and NZ businesses at the highest levels.” Jen says the role brought with it the ability to talk-up New Zealand and inform people on the value of both New Zealand products coming in to Northern Europe and New Zealand as an investment destination. “It was non-stop four years talking about New Zealand.” Jen says her experience in diplomacy will be a real asset in influencing people to act towards a common goal. “Growers, packers and exporters – we need to improve our communication across the industry. “The opportunity to influence the direction and the speed of the industry’s success was very attractive for me in taking this role,” says Jen. Food safety is a top priority, we need to meet consumers’ needs, says Jen. “We need to ensure we are doing everything we can in terms of food quality and safety.” Jen wants to spend the first few months meeting stakeholders and listening to their views on the state of the industry. “I want to hear what is working and what is not working. I want to hear from all the groups and parts of the industry
on what they need and what they don’t. “There is a wealth of knowledge within the team and within the industry and that will influence my strategy.” Jen says she enjoys meeting people and hearing the passion people have for the avocado industry. “It’s a big part of their life, whether it’s about the income or just the lifestyle. “That’s one of the wonderful things I hadn’t realised when I joined the kiwifruit industry, after working for seven years for a merchant bank – you were dealing with paper money all the time, it wasn’t so real.” She says it is great to have come back to New Zealand to work with something that is natural and flourishes in NZ. “It has a life, it’s healthy. I see the avocado industry in a really challenging but big opportunity scenario. “The industry has set a mission for 2015/2016 for 12 million trays, $250 million worth. “That’s the vision and that’s where I’d like to lead the industry - increasing the ability to grow in volume and value while also preserving the quality and the consistency of the fruit.” Jen has moved back to her home town of Tauranga with her husband Bob and two teenage daughters. 7
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My priority objective at the moment is to listen and learn - I need to hear what you are thinking, what is going well and what not so well. My first week included the AGA and AIC Board meetings so I needed to focus on the key issues needing decisions now. The Export Management Strategy (EMS), Government Industry Agreement (GIA) and our R&D programme are high on the list of focus areas. In the second week, it was very good to sit with exporters at an AVEC meeting, and to discuss how the EMS might be
updated to better meet the needs of our industry. I headed to Wellington at the beginning of my third week to join a HortNZ GIA meeting, and returned for a session with other industry groups and MAF to better understand how the GIA will support our industry in the event of a pest issue. I utilised my time in Wellington meeting avocado stakeholders including HortNZ, MAF, ERMA and HEA, all of whom play a role in allowing the industry to move forward and upward. I thoroughly enjoyed the two recent field days I have attended in the Bay of Plenty, and was very impressed both with the presentations and the grower turn out. Standing on a beautiful day in a lovely orchard of healthy avocados trees discussing the best methods to treat phytophthora is a long way from life at
the Consulate in Hamburg in winter. I am loving the ability to learn about our industry from you all. The Board has been very clear that engagement across the industry must be a high priority for me. John Schnackenberg talked about this in his update on the grower survey in December, and I am ensuring I am getting out and about to listen to as many of you as possible. That will include you as growers, our service providers, our government contacts, the Board, and my team at the AIC. Three weeks into my role I am feeling very positive about the industry I have joined. The AIC team and the Boards are very committed to deliver value to growers and to ensure stakeholders are aligned to our vision to improve volumes and value. I look forward to the part I can play in that.
AIC Activity Highlights December 2010 - March 2011 Volume
Value
Leadership
• Six AIC field days on phytophthora held by outreach coordinator Paul Brookbanks from Far North to Te Puke. • AIC scientist position re-advertised in February. • Meeting held with several nurseries to discuss draft of the high health scheme. • Application made to the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund to continue research on pruning as a mitigating measure for irregular bearing. • Crop estimate committee meets to discuss the size of the 2011-2012 crop. • Henry Pak (AIC Technical Manager) attends Plant and Food research update. • Henry attends meeting with Elliot Technologies re: concentrate spraying helicopter applications and oils.
• John Schnackenberg (AGA/AIC Chairman) and Midge Munro (AIC Communications Officer) meet with key local marketers to discuss generic domestic promotions. • Meet with NZTE to discuss promotional opportunities during the Rugby World Cup as well as new market development and funding. • Avocado tasting stand set up at the Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show and in the Bondi shopping mall in Sydney; also magazine and online advertising placed using the Add An Avo brand. • 1064 PPINS signed up to the AvoGreen Programme. • Homescan data project initiated with Nielsen to give the industry actual data on NZ consumer avocado purchasing behaviour - first step in domestic promotion strategy development.
• Jen Scoular takes the reins as AIC CEO. • MAF meeting to discuss GIA (Government Industry Agreements) and the pathway forward. • NZAGA + AIC Board meeting. • Jen and Henry attend AVEC exporters meeting. • Jen and John travel to Wellington to meet key HEA and MAF staff. • 2011-2012 Export Marketing Strategy (EMS) process underway. • Jen attended Apata conference in Kaitaia and visited growers in Far North with Ian Broadhurst. • HortNZ Product Group meeting on GIA. • MAF “Scenario Planning” meeting. • Packer Forum meeting - waterblaster users group.
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Packers’ Comment Michael Ruegg
A year in summary It has been pretty much business as usual this season. The Packers’ Exec has been involved in the Crop Estimation Committee, Quality Standards Committee and the review of both the EMS and Quality Manual. There was much debate over the proposed introduction of a formal specification for water-blasted fruit to nonUSA markets. No agreement was reached prior to the commencement of last season’s Australian programme – no doubt this will be hot topic of discussion for the coming season.
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NZAPF Chairman
A considerable amount of effort has gone into the development of an MOU between the AIC and the packer group and we are pleased that this has reached Board level for consideration. We expect to finalise this document over the next couple of months. At this point I would like to extend a warm welcome to Jen Scoular and look forward to working with her on, among other things, the MOU. We see this as an opportunity to improve on the relationship between the packers and the wider industry. Eligibility and traceability for USA market access After an emergency meeting in late December an industry working group has been formed to provide MAF and USDA with the confidence to ensure that, if in the event of an interception of light brown apple moth at the border, we have robust (and documented) systems in place, including the ability to isolate and trace back affected product to the source. The further we can drill down, from exporter, to packer, to grower PPIN, to block level, the less disruption there will be to our picking, packing, and export programme. The ability to isolate to this level of detail
will ensure that the disruption is minimised. It has been proposed that industry expertise is used to progress development of systems in the following areas: • Waterblasting technology, • Quality Management, • Chemical application and pre harvest monitoring, and • E Cert Development. The predicted volume of the coming season’s crop may potentially mean that larger shipments of fruit are destined for American shores. We strongly believe that our systems are ‘not broken’ but as an industry we need to ensure that we are continually reviewing and, if necessary, further developing our phytosanitary systems. As packers we are all looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that (hopefully) a record crop will provide us with in another five months. The preparation have already begun. In closing I would also like to take the opportunity, on behalf of all packers, to thank Linda Flegg, who earlier this year stood down from the Packer Executive, for all the time and effort she has put in for the packer group. Your input and insight will be hard to replace! 11
Exporters’ Comment John Carroll AVEC Chairman
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At the crossroads The current export packing season is all but done, and it looks like we will hit an export volume a little over 1.7million trays. This figure is reasonably close to estimates, so on that score we have had a stable season. Perhaps of more intrigue has been the amount of smaller sizes the country has produced - 32% - and this is a historically high number. In particular, fruit size out of Northland has been on the small side. This will impact on grower returns no doubt, but values on the larger sizes should be strong. Not as strong as last year’s amazing values, but good nevertheless. However, we have seen a distinct gap in value between medium and larger sizes, versus smalls, especially in the Australian market. The reasons for this are obvious, and it highlights that we are never in a world of our own (or outside of January 2010 anyway). In the Australian market, Western Australia had a very light crop in our previous season, a crop that ran out about Christmas 2009, so New Zealand effectively had the Australian market to ourselves for January 2010. Further to that, cyclones hampered the start of the Shepard crop in early 2010, and we had a marvellous time. Spot values were unheard of.
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Good quality Winding forward to the season just complete, Western Australia had the heaviest crop it ever had, and with it a large volume of smaller sizes. New Zealand had a modest only crop, and we also had more smalls than normal. The end result was real pressure on small sizes, 32s in particular, but amazingly the market still paid good, much higher values for the preferred counts of fruit that retailers seek to sell loose. Our fruit quality was, in the main, very good. There were isolated instances of fruit that showed some sign of rain,
especially picked in December. But generally fruit presented and ate well. In the final wash-up, around 92% of our fruit was exported to Australia, 6% to Japan and 2% elsewhere. But just as we look back, we must more importantly look forward to what looms as comfortably New Zealand’s largest crop. There are clearly regional differences, but as a rule of thumb I would suggest the Far North is good and consistent, boosted by some younger trees. The Whangarei area appears patchy, with some good crops but others no more than mediocre, some even light. Then down to the Bay of Plenty and there is generally a good to exceptional crop, with some trees of an age they will kick in with large volumes in their first commercial crop. As exporters, the people charged with locating good homes for your fruit, the more information we can gather sooner, the more prepared we can be to make a success of a big volume. Numbers, you either love them or hate them, but without them, it’s all waffle! It is just so important that growers put as much effort as possible into crop estimation, because your exporters must prepare customers and markets for the fruit. Equally, your packers and pickers need to be organised to ensure a flow of that fruit that meets the exporter plans. We need to always remember that while we might have a big crop by our standards, our volumes on the world scale are small. And the world will not accept mediocre delivery; they will expect us to handle 4 million export trays no different to half that volume. Much has been talked in recent years about flow-plans, and rightly so. The simple principle remains; the best customers want a consistent flow of supply, and from our NZ perspective, that allows us to occupy the shelves of those customers. But we also need that consistency of supply to manage our harvest in the time we have available. So it is all logical, even obvious, yet it is so
materially dependent on the information gathered at the outset on how much fruit growers collectively have on their trees. A good flow-plan means little if the volume assumption is not close enough to begin with. Early projections suggest we might be looking at 3.5 to 4 million trays of export fruit for next year. Clearly, this volume is well beyond what Australia can absorb from us, without creating a messy, out-of control marketplace over there. Funnily enough, early signs are that Australian domestic production will not be heavy next summer, so that might allow us to put greater volume there than before. But whatever that quantity is will be a long way from the 3.5 to 4 million trays we need to make strong plans for. Which means, in simple terms, significant volumes to be marketed outside Australia. EMS In the last couple of weeks, the exporter group AVEC has been involved in some discussion about the industry Export Marketing Strategy, commonly referred to as the EMS. This is an important document, and is both the rulebook and guiding document for the operation of our export industry. It is a requirement for industries under the HEA legislation. This recent discussion has been about making the EMS a more relevant and accurate voice for industry stakeholders, plus any people outside our industry looking in. Attached to the EMS, of course, are the industry grade standards, and it is this link through to legislation that makes these standards enforceable- and that is a cornerstone of our strength as an Industry in producing a consistent product. Anyway, we have plenty ahead of us to contemplate, included in which is how we develop AvoGreen into the marketplace. It is also hoped that we can gain some ground in more easily accessing some Asian markets that have had residue issues. But most important is that we are positive and enthusiastic about the challenge ahead. 13
Focus on
EMS
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The Export Marketing Strategy (EMS) and the industry Quality Standards are in the process of their annual review. The Quality Standards are attached to the EMS and are a separate document which sits underneath the EMS, both controlled by the Horticultural Export Authority Act. The EMS has just gone through the process of calling for submissions from growers and other stakeholders. For growers in the avocado industry the harvesting section of the EMS is of the most interest, says Quality Standards committee chairman Hugh Moore. “For growers it is more the food safety side of the manual – in the harvesting
section – what growers can and cannot use, and the particular withholding periods. “It affects the post-harvest industry, the cool storage, transport etc, so it probably affects them more than growers.” Roger Bagshaw manages seven hectares of avocados in Athenree and a further six hectares on a neighbouring property. He doesn’t believe many changes are needed in this year’s review of the EMS. “It’s hard enough to get fruit into the export market. “There are very good reasons and you have to have them (quality standards), but they definitely don’t have to be developed or changed much.” Roger says the industry looks to the EMS for a steady platform. “It’s a matter of getting the best prices
you can on the market. “You don’t want to be loading the local market. You still want to attract good overseas prices.” He says growers always want the easiest path to get the most fruit possible in trays to sell. Roger has been in the industry for 28 years. He says growers found it hard at first to accept the EMS and QS, but it is not like that anymore. “I recognise that it’s a competitive market and we need to get the best price we can. “It’s a fine line between what’s acceptable and what isn’t.” Roger says the comfort is that the EMS and QS are industry-wide regulations that all growers have to adhere to. He says the recent PSA scare for the kiwifruit industry is a wake-up call as well, in terms of quality standards.
“The whole horticultural industry has to be ever-vigilant.” Although this season has seen his crop down around 25-30 per cent, Roger says there is a good crop on the trees now. “We’re looking forward to 2011 and 2012. There is good potential for next year, and we want to get as many trays as we can. There is no use making the standards so you can’t get fruit away.” Hugh says submissions are sought to make sure the EMS and QS is a document that has growers’ and other stakeholders’ input. “It’s a very large and technical document and it has grown over the last 15-20 years. Things change in the market place and some areas need an upgrade.” He says it is about making a more uniform presentation into the market and to take cost out of the industry if possible.
“Most growers would like to see more fruit in the trays but it’s about what the consumers want and the market. The market leads the industry. “There is always a compromise; you have to meet the industry’s objectives.” Hugh says changes will be made if there is something which can be more defined, and more easily measured. “The words have to be very carefully selected to have an exact meaning – so there are no fuzzy lines. “I don’t think there will be a lot of changes, it’s pretty well managed. There will be a few changes around food safety.” The committee will hold a meeting in March to read the submissions and to review the season and any market problems, says Hugh. Any changes will then be made in a follow-up meeting, with the process wrapped up by May.
Make sure you book your advertising space for the next issue of Avoscene due out in June 2011. Contact Daphne at Sun Media on 07 578 0030 or email daphne@thesun.co.nz. Booking deadline is June 1st, 2011.
THE NE W ZEAL AN
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T H E N E W Z E A L A N D AV O C A D O G R O W E R S ’ J O U R N A L
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MARCH 2010
JUNE/JULY 2010 ERS’ CADO GROW A L A N D AV O THE NEW ZE
JOURNAL
add an av o Inside this Issue
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Export and local markets PDA’s and crop monitoring Insidel this l NewIssue products and services Using pheromone traps l Add an Avo this Summer l Leafr oller moni toring
prawn
Inside this Issue
entation ® Avogreen implem reps regional l Meet your
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summer Mechanica l labour clank Health bene s fits of avoca closer dos and avoc l
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Heavily pruned organically grown tree. Progress is documented on the New Zealand Organic Avocado Growers Inc Facebook page.
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Organic Growers’ Comment
Mike Crum NZOAGI Chairman
Much to add to industry I have taken over from Matt Leamy as chairman of the New Zealand Organic Avocado Growers Inc (NZOAGI) and along with it the job of writing this regular article. We (Mike, Cathy and three kids) grow 7.5 hectares of avocados and 1.5 hectares of kiwifruit, all fully certified organic. We also manage 60ha of kiwifruit orchards and I have been involved in orcharding since leaving school in 1979. We have owned our own orchard for nine years and that coincided with the start of our organic conversion which was mostly about creating an environment we were happy to live in. To summarise our last nine years of avocado production (which includes the conversion to organics), our production has been highly variable and generally below expectations; phytophthora has been a constant battle, spending has decreased, profitability per tray has 16
increased, my orcharding skills and understanding of soils, nutrition, pests and plants has increased greatly. We love the environment we live in and have managed to pay the mortgage every year so by avocado standards regard ourselves as reasonably successful growers! Amongst the 50 growers who are members of NZOAGI, most find that avocados are an easy crop to grow organically if you can control phytophthora. Among the group members there are examples of phytophthora being not an issue and examples of phytophthora taking over. Our main tools are soil biology that suppresses phytophthora, pruning, and getting the cations balanced in the soil to create an aerated soil. Often different parts of an orchard have differing results. Nutrition is reasonably straight forward with all nutrients being readily available with the exception of nitrogen. More emphasis is generally put on cation balancing and soil biology. Pest control is relatively easy with six spotted mite generally ceasing to be a problem after one year of conversion. Leafroller is easily controlled by predators
and the use of BT sprays with a possible resistance developing to damage with increased sugars in the fruit. As with conventional growing, pest monitoring is a great tool. Organic growers often lead industries on sustainability, environmental and nil residual market access issues. The aim is to produce a higher quality, more nutrient-dense fruit that achieves market recognition and sometimes a premium in the market. Generally organics will produce at around 80% of conventional with lower costs and sometimes a premium price. We as organic growers have the potential to be able to contribute to the wider avocado industry by getting a better understanding of why some results are achieved within organics that differ from conventional. There is much to be learnt from organic growing that will make conventional growers better at what they do. We share many problems with conventional growers such as variable production and controlling phytophthora and have a common interest in understanding and solving some of the riddles associated with growing avocados. 17
Quick to adapt. Avogreen Technical
Dr David Steven
IPM Research
Greenhouse thrips Jason Dobson, Avocado’s Packhouse Manager at Trevelyan’s, points out the 65% saving in down time that has been achieved from the installation of a fruit conveyer. The fruit conveyer has allowed the packhouse manager to bypass a lengthy manual system of separating and moving under size fruit from the class 1 sizer to the local market sizer. This was all achieved though a continuous improvement group.
Unfortunately for avocado growers the omens are indicating an autumn that will be favourable for greenhouse thrips (GHT).
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The tail end of summer has been almost ideal for this pest to go forth and multiply, which thrips can do with great speed. Thrips populations can increase more rapidly than any other pest we face on avocados, which is why during the peak season for thrips growers need to monitor at a shorter interval for GHT than for any other pest. The period of maximum risk of GHT damage runs from late summer through autumn, but does vary from place to place and from year to year. At the start of the thrips season when temperatures are higher than later in autumn, population increases are fastest and this is when it is very important to be on your toes. One thing in growers’ favour is that GHT is a very small insect which damages fruit at the level of killing individual cells so that significant russett damage (enough to cause rejection from export grade), takes a few days to accumulate with a small population. If the population is large, it only takes a short time. In practice this means that monitoring gives timely advice that control is needed; however it does not mean that spraying can readily be delayed once the threshold is reached. Especially during the warmer conditions of late summer, a prompt response is critical. At the end of the thrips season, when the rate of change is slower, a more relaxed approach is possible provided you know what you are doing. Even more important is to remember that because thrips eggs are laid inside the tissue of an avocado fruit (or inside leaves
on other host plants) where they are protected from sprays, a two-spray attack is required. A single spray will knock out the active, unprotected stages of a thrips population (the nymphs and adults), but as the eggs hatch the population will rapidly bounce back to high levels. Two sprays (ideally 15-21 days apart) are recommended once the threshold is exceeded to avoid this recovery in thrips numbers and so achieve effective control. GHT in avocado trees much prefers fruit to leaves; in fact by the time it is common on leaves the fruit will undoubtedly be damaged. It also prefers the shelter provided by living in the zone where two fruit touch. This is why the only way to monitor thrips is to examine where two fruit touch. GHT takes this love of protected or sheltered sites a step further, and will be found earlier and in higher numbers on the shaded, sheltered sides of trees and of blocks. Chemical control The options A range of insecticide products have a label claim against GHT on avocados.
Choosing what to use If GHT was the only pest found in monitoring, you should choose a selective product such as Calypso/Topstar/Alpasso or perhaps one of the oils (D-C-Tron Plus or Excel Oil), rather than opting for a broad-spectrum product such as Attack or Malathion/Fyfanon. Selective sprays kill the pest being targeted without directly harming beneficial insects in the orchard, which also help achieve control of pests. Note that the selectivity of a chemical is influenced by the rate at which it is used. For example Calypso is used at 15ml/100L in avocados but at double this, 30ml/100L, in apples. At the higher rate on apples the product looses selectivity and will kill a wider range of insects, as well as increasing the risk from residues. So be careful to use only the specified low rate on avocados. Market effect The choice of chemical is also affected by the intended market for the crop, the time of spray, expected harvest date and the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI, also called the Withholding Period) for each
Table 1 - Products with a GHT claim for avocados Product
active ingredient
Type
Comments
Malathion 50EC Fyfanon 440EW
malathion
Organophosphate
Broad spectrum.
DEW 500, DEW 600 Diazol
diazinon *
Organophosphate
Broad spectrum.
Sevin Flo, Carbaryl 50F
carbaryl *
Carbamate
Broad spectrum – hard on ladybirds.
* A mix of diazinon plus carbaryl was used in the 1980s on a number of emerging crops to kill a wide range of pests, and this label claim arose then. The mix is very broad spectrum.
Attack
permethrin + primiphos-methyl
synthetic pyrethroid organophosphate
Very broad spectrum.
D-C-Tron Plus Excel Oil
mineral oil
mineral oil
Somewhat selective.
Key Pyrethrum, Pyganic Pyradym, Bettacrop Garlic & Pyrethrum
pyrethrins
natural pyrethrum
Effect is very short-lived giving some selectivity. Used primarily at or very close to harvest.
Calypso, Alpasso, Topstar
thiacloprid
Neonicotinoid
Largely selective. Systemic.
19
Autumn set fruit.
Greenhouse thrips Continued... chemical in the chosen market. The table at right gives the PHIs for thrips sprays for New Zealand, Australia and the USA, together with the range of values for all markets listed in the Export Schedule. Sprays against GHT during the peak period for thrips damage are sufficiently before harvest so that this aspect does not restrict choice. With sprays later in the season the required market clearance can be critical. Consult your exporter or packer if you are in any doubt. Product choice for more than one pest Only if other pests were noted as well as GHT should you consider choosing a product with a broader spectrum of activity, and then as an alternative to applying a mix of selective products. With several pests present choosing what to use becomes more of a question of economics and common sense. However before reaching for the broadest ‘shotgun’ like spray possible, remember that some products can affect two pests while retaining a degree of selectivity. For example Avid on avocados has only a label claim against six-spotted mite on avocados; however it does have a label claim on kiwifruit to control the same species of leafroller that are found on avocados. Although using Avid on avocados solely against leafrollers would be an off-label use, when it is used on this crop against six-spotted mite some impact on leafrollers is likely. (See the pamphlet on Pesticide Choice for more information.) Even though the thiacloprid products are systemic and so can be carried in the plant, they do not kill the eggs embedded in the tissue. In similar vein although some nymphs hatching from eggs soon after a persistent spray has been applied will be killed by active residues of the spray, this is not enough to obtain effective control from a single application, particularly if the population is increasing rapidly. Preventative sprays? The insecticides we use in avocados are all eradicants in nature which means 20
By AIC research laboratory manager, Toni Elmsly
Table 2 - The Pre-Harvest Intervals for products used against GHT on avocados for three important markets plus the range of PHIs for all listed markets with the corresponding MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels).
Product
active ingredient
Pre-Harvest Interval (days) NZ
Aus
USA
range
MRLs (ppm)
Malathion 50EC Fyfanon 440EW
malathion
3
3
3
3-42
8-0
DEW 500 , DEW 600 Diazol
diazinon
14
14
60
14-60
0.5 – 0
Sevin Flo Carbaryl 50F
carbaryl
1
1
not set 1-not set
10 – 0
Attack
permethrin + primiphos-methyl
14
49
49
14-60
0.1 – 0
D-C-Tron Plus Excel Oil
mineral oil
0
0
0
0
GRAS
Key Pyrethrum Pyganic, Pyradym Bettacrop Garlic & Pyrethrum
pyrethrins
1
1
1
1-14
GRAS or 0
Calypso, Alpasso Topstar
thiacloprid
14
14
35
14-35
0.05 - 0
GRAS = Generally Recognised As Safe
they kill the pests directly and should not be used as protective sprays by being applied to prevent pest establishment. It is the fungicides we use that have to be applied before an infection event is likely. Applying insecticides as preventatives is a sure way to use more pesticide than really is needed, wasting spray and money, and increasing the risk of the pests developing resistance to the pesticide. Understanding selectivity The selectivity of a pesticide depends firstly on its mode of action – the actual way the active ingredient affects the pest, the biochemical process inside the pest that is disrupted by the pesticide. As already noted the rate of chemical used can modify this selectivity. If the biological system affected is found in all or most insects, then the pesticide will be broad-spectrum. If the system affected is limited to just one type of insect, then the pesticide will be highly selective. Modern insecticides are generally selective. Most modern pesticides are also very effective at very low doses of active ingredient. With Calypso (or any other thiacloprid product) you use only 15ml
of product in 100L of mixed spray, which is actually only 7.2g of active ingredient per 100L. In contrast the organophosphates diazinon or malathion are used at rates that contain respectively 48g and 150g of active per 100L. The difference will become important when we are required to calculate the “pesticide footprint” of the avocado industry, as is likely to occur in the future. Applying a product as a dilute or concentrate spray should not alter the amount of active ingredient per hectare of crop covered, and so does not change the inherent selectivity of a pesticide. Low volume application simply uses less water to spread the active ingredient over the crop, and does npt seek to change the dose achieved per unit area of fruit (or leaf ). Greenhouse thrips is a major pest of avocados in New Zealand, a pest that affects almost every orchard. It can be combated very effectively, but does require careful attention and a targeted approach. Go for it!! Dr David Steven, IPM Research Ltd PO Box 36-012, Auckland 0748 AvoPest: 0508 286 7378 dsteven@ipmresearch.co.nz Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author.
Do you have autumn set fruit on your trees? There is a large volume of autumn fruit sets this season, especially in the Bay of Plenty and Whangarei regions.
If you are considering stripping your trees with the last pick for local market, please bear in mind that these autumn sets still require some time to reach maturity for acceptable eating quality. Once this fruit is mature it is generally well received by the market. To provide a guide to when these fruit will be mature, the AIC has now commenced a programme to monitor the
Heavy autumn sets are usually indicative of a heavy spring flowering in the coming season, which was the case last year. On the trees that are showing heavy autumn sets it is important to alter your fertiliser programme to accommodate the trees nutritional demands. The autumn set fruit from last season is now sizing well and the fruit is taking on a dull green colour as opposed to the bright green that was still evident last month. However, this fruit is not yet mature. The photograph at right was taken in February and shows the immature characteristics of the seed from an autumn set fruit. Note the jelly-like substance surrounding the seed.
maturity of this fruit. Fruit samples will be collected on a monthly basis from two orchards in the Bay of Plenty and similarly from the Whangarei region. Results will provide an indication of progess and when harvest maturity is likely to be reached. The minimum maturity requirements for domestic market are 23% dry matter and that all fruit are ethylene ripened using the AIC Ethylene Ripening Protocol. If the dry matter is 24% or greater it will not need to be ethylene ripened. The dry matter results will be posted on Avoconnect. If you have questions about autumn-set fruit please contact Toni on 0800 AVOCADO or tonielmsly@nzavocado.co.nz Autumn Set Dry Matter Content (%)
Seed of an immature autumn set fruit.
Date BOP 27/01/2011 22/02/2011
Whangarei 14.97 18.01 18.02
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By AIC outreach coordinator Paul Brookbanks
Phytophthora focus for field days Thank you to the 310 Growers and industry people who attended the recent Phytophthora field days. It is encouraging to see so many taking an active interest in their industry. I began the February field days with a talk on Phytophthora cinnamomi and its infection cycle, symptoms of phytophthora infection and control. The main driver for phytophthora infection of avocado trees is water - zoospores of phytophthora require water for movement. If ponding is minimised through surface drainage and subsurface drainage is provided to reduce the water table, improve air movement and maintain soil structure, the opportunity for phytophthora is dramatically reduced. There are many other preventative strategies as well as control strategies available. See our website for copies of the field day handout and other fact sheets on phytophthora control. Injection of phosphorous acid into infected avocado trunks is the only registered method for use in New Zealand. Despite the requirement for high labour input, it is still the best method for maintaining tree health. Until recently, the efficacy of treatment was based on the visual response of trees to treatment. Samples could only be tested for phosphonates in Australia. Hill Laboratories, based in Hamilton, is now providing a root phosphonate testing service following
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consultation with individuals within the avocado industry; in particular Jerome Hardy from Primor Produce, Colin Partridge from Team Avocado, David French, AGA rep for rest of NZ, and mid north growers John Wiessing and Mark West. At the recent February AIC Field Days Colin Ogle from Hill Laboratories spoke about the new service. Growers have the opportunity of ticking a box to allow the AIC access to their results. It is hoped this information will allow us to create a database of results from which a decay curve can be built up. At the Northland field days Jerome Hardy from Primor gave a practical demonstration on the root sampling procedures and how to send the samples for analysis. Jerome stressed the need for sampling the new white feeder roots from the mulch layer (pencil thickness down to fine roots). The sample should be taken from a range of trees within a block and around the entire circumference of the sampled trees. Full details of the sampling procedure can be found on Hill’s website. The quantity of sample required is from 10-50g. Jerome collected a sample of 28g that would be sufficient. Countries such as the USA and South Africa suffer from major issues with both phytophthora and salinity issues and they have for many years carried out research and plant breeding programmes to come up with superior rootstocks to combat these problems. The AIC, in conjunction with Riversun Nurseries, have imported some of
the more promising rootstock clones. These include Latas, Dusa, Bounty, and Duke 7, among others. Bart Hoftsee from the AIC is overseeing the various trial blocks in the Bay of Plenty, Mid and Far North. Although it is still too early to determine the long term performance of these rootstocks, observations to date have been positive when comparing their performance to traditional seedling rootstocks. Bay of Plenty growers were fortunate to have Geoff Thorpe from Riversun Nurseries to talk about these new clonals. Geoff began with the background of Riversun Nurseries and how the focus has changed from grape plant propagation to avocado clones. Geoff highlighted the enormous genetic variability of avocado seedling rootstocks compared to other crops, such as peaches, where genetic variability is virtually zero. With clonals growers can expect to see much more even production though some soils will provide a challenge for these, despite their tolerance. Bounty, a South African rootstock was found growing in waterlogged conditions and may well suit the heavier soils of the Mid North and South Auckland. Geoff also described the process of growing a clonal rootstock compared to a simple seedling rootstock. I think most growers were surprised at the sophistication of procedures necessary to produce these plants. Geoff did stress that growers can still kill plants with kindness so don’t be too protective - let them toughen up during the establishment phase. Also plant them about 50mm proud rather
Colin Ogle from Hill Laboratories spoke during the recent Phytophthora Field Days.
Riversun Nurseries’ Geoff Thorpe spoke about new clonal varieties.
An example of a 28 gram root sample.
Yield Topic 1 Pest/Disease control (Phenology plan)
Topic 2 Phytophthora management Mulching
Topic 3 Light management Plant Spacing
AvoGreen Injection Application Method
Chemical Choice
Soil Type Description
Thinning Tree Architecture Pruning
PC Tolerant Risks
Phosphonate root testing
Topic 4 Nutrition
Soil Type Soil and Leaf Test Fertiliser Choice Overseer Nutrient Budget
Topic 5 Orchard aspect and Location Site Selection Aspect Soil Type Climate Shelter
Decision Tree Model
Topic 6 Irrigation
Soil Type System Design
Topic 7 Flowering and Fruitset Pollination Four Application
Mulching
Number hives/ha
Scheduling
Pollenizers Irrigation
Alternate bearing/ Flower thinning
Climate
than too deep. Staking is critical so ensure the stake is strong and long. Minimise any trunk movement as this will only weaken the developing roots. For further information on establishing clonal trees, contact the AIC.
Regional discussion groups The Information Kit for regional discussion group operation is almost ready for use. Growers from the various growing regions have been invited to review the material
before finalising. The structure for the kit is based on a Decision Tree Model that was developed during the SFF Regional Discussion Group Project from 2001-2004. The advantage of this model is that further detail can be added to the appropriate topics, giving growers a visual guide to where things fit. To help the discussion group get going, a series of questions have been included to prompt discussion. A list of recommended resources available to all growers is also
Shelter
included for each topic. The outcome of these discussions is hopefully a greater understanding of orchard management issues through science based knowledge and more independency in decision making. For those growers who would like to be a part of a regional discussion group please contact me, Paul Brookbanks, through the AIC office 0800 AVOCADO or 021 994 097.
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Greenhouse thrips larvae.
“I think the promotional work in Australia has been very strong in increasing demand, which is really important going into next year, when there is going to be lots more fruit to export” Sue Carter, Freshmax
By AIC outreach coordinator Paul Brookbanks
Seasonal Notes
What to look out for on your orchard over the next three months Rots With high humidity and high air temperatures during summer, the risk of infection by post-harvest rots of newly set fruit is high. The only effective means of protection against these rots is monthly applications of copper. If you are exporting your fruit you must apply coppers. If you don’t, you risk not only your own fruit but also that of other growers from being rejected due to post-harvest rots. Follow the label rates. Leafroller Thrip damage on avocado. Leafroller and greenhouse thrips (GHT) are more likely to cause more damage as fruit in clusters begin to touch. Prodigy has recently been registered for leafroller control in avocados. It is a MAC (Moult Accelerating Compound) with high efficacy and low rates per hectare. Before using check the MRLs with your exporter. There are a good number of insecticides registered for leafroller control so do not overuse but follow the table on Tech Sheet 1 available from the AIC. See the table is labelled “Chemical use pattern for major pest control in avocados”. Use more specific products as these have a lower toxicity to the user and the environment. Greenhouse Thrips GHT presence will continue through the autumn period and damage to touching fruits could result in export rejects. 24
Calypso and oil will result in a more effective kill of adults, larvae, pupae and eggs. By monitoring the north-east quadrant of trees you are more likely to find GHT, as they prefer the warmth over cold. Use of more specific chemicals for the control of major pests including thrips can assist beneficial establishment. Thripobius javae, a parasitoid of GHT larvae was released commercially into both selected citrus and avocado orchards in the early ‘90s. It was hoped that the wasp would become established and provide natural control of the pest. Unfortunately
Thripobius semiluteus javae.
its release has not resulted in adequate control of GHT and in many cases it never established itself. However it has established itself in some domestic situations and citrus orchards where the growers have reported fruit clean from GHT damage (pers comm). Following the principles of AvoGreen will help in Thripobius establishment and maybe eventual effective commercial control of GHT. Phytothphora For those who attended the AIC’s February Phytothphora Field Days, injection of trees should be underway. The new root phosphonate testing service provided by Hill Laboratories
has been provided not to determine whether phytophthora is present but to determine the level of phosphonate in the root system following injection. Autumn root sampling should be a minimum of 15 days after treatment or any time thereafter. Sample new white feeder roots from the mulch layer (pencil down to fine). For further information on the procedures, see the AIC Website. Water management Water management should still be performed through the autumn period to ensure there is no water stress. Well-managed irrigation will improve fruit retention, fruit size and optimize photosynthesis. Leafroller on fruit. Use 30cm and 60cm tensiometers or other soil moisture measuring devices so that you can manage soil available water levels. Boron Application Now is a suitable time for boron (B) ground applications in time with the autumn root flush. B should be applied from the trunk to the drip zone evenly using soluble plant available forms. Optimum B levels are better achieved this way than through foliar applications though pre-flower foliar B applications are recommended where leaf B levels are lower than desired pre-flowering, i.e. Below 22ppm. Leaf sampling for analysis could also be included this month.
Export Market review
By Sheryl Brown
Export season pleases Global Fresh marketing and logistics manager Tony Sinkovich says while prices for avocados have been down this year, the New Zealand dollar should leave growers reasonably happy about the season. “Last year the market prices were spectacular, I don’t think it will be anywhere that near this year. “Pricing was down about 25-30 per cent. The grower returns are not going to be comparable, but not too far off from last year. “The foreign exchange rates have worked in our favour this year.” Tony says the dry spring did hurt the industry, leaving a lot of avocados not able to grow to their full size. “There was quite a distinct pricing division in small fruit this year. “The main season has been very good. There has been even pricing throughout the year.” The small fruit was difficult to move this
year, says Tony. “As an industry I don’t think we realised the impact of an early dry spring – the fruit didn’t grow to the sizes we expected. “About 28-30 percent of our fruit was in the sizing of 28s to 32s.” The bad weather in October also affected the industry, to a degree, says Tony. “The industry lost 5-10 per cent but generally the crop flow was a lot better this year. “As an industry we managed our crop flow a lot better.” Global Fresh is still exporting into April, says Tony. “We are looking at upwards of 150,000 trays, slightly up on last year. We are supplying right through until April, primarily on the east coast of Australia and then into the west coast. “We supply Coles and Primor, we were quite pleased with the volumes Coles have absorbed - we certainly maxed the preseason planning.” Looking ahead to the coming season, Tony doesn’t think the competition within Australia is going to be as pronounced. “So maybe Australia will be able to absorb a lot more of our fruit. “We are looking at more than doubling our volumes. We think the market
demands are going to be a lot stronger.” Freshmax avocado product manager Sue Carter says more fruit was available for exporting this year although Australian prices didn’t reach the heavy heights achieved in January last season. Demand was steady throughout the season, particularly early on and post Christmas. “I think the promotional work in Australia has been very strong in increasing demand, which is really important going into next year, when there is going to be lots more fruit to export. “Overall the demand for avocados continues to increase. This helps when going into a big year like the one ahead of us.” Sue says a strong foundation has been built in order to sell the fruit at reasonable prices. Freshmax exported a similar volume to that exported last season. Sue says the big disappointment on the export market was the limited opportunity to supply regular customers in Korea and Singapore and other Asian countries. “This was in part due to the exchange rate, but also due to the industry’ current approach to spray programmes and MRLs in many developing markets,” says Sue. 25
By AIC communications officer Midge Munro
2010-2011 Australian promotions update “You’ve reminded me - I’m missing avocados from my shopping list!”
Searching for an Aussie adventure
?
A total of 8160 avocado samples and 10,000 recipe booklets were distributed over the two tasting events funded by NZ growers and exporters in Australia this season as part of the Add An Avo promotion campaign. The first of these events was the Brisbane Good Food and Wine show - see the December 2010 issue of Avoscene for details on this set up. The second of these events was a set up in the Westfield Mall in Bondi, Sydney 18-20 November 2010. The three day set up distributed 4160 samples and
4800 recipe booklets to a demographic of 25y/o+ and a split of 50:50 male and female. Comments from the staff on the stand were that they had people willing to the pay and wanting to know where they could purchase the avocados. Consumers loved the avocados and many commented that they wanted to use the Zesty Balsamic recipe that was being used to prepare the samples. Other comments during the events from consumers: “Great promotion” “So simple, it’s perfect.” “It’s a family favourite in the mornings; the recipes will be so useful.” “Love the recipes, love hearing about the nutritional value - thanks for sharing.”
“The kids just can’t get enough.” For the final evaluation of the 20102011 AU promotion programme see the June Issue of Avoscene.
Ladies enjoying their yummy avocado sample.
Congress planning ‘full steam ahead’ Planning is going well for the World Avocado Congress 2011, the premier event on the world avocado calendar.
Check out the ‘Accompanying Persons Program’ & ‘Field Trip and Cultural Activity’ on the facebook page or the World Avocado Congress website www.worldavocadocongress2011.com www.facebook.com/WAC2011
26
Held every four years this amazing event is the only place where the worldwide avocado industry comes together to meet, share and discuss all there is to know about the avocado industry. “We are very busy organising the social and scientific programs of the congress,” explains Antony Allen, president of the International Avocado Society and CEO of Avocados Australia. The Scientific Programme will offer delegates the chance to hear expert insights on the latest techniques for growing; learn about the newest trends in avocado marketing; and listen to upto-date information about how issues, such as the state of the economy and climate change, will impact the future of the avocado industry. “We expect to cater for the interests of over 1000 delegates (plus their partners) comprising of avocado producers, wholesalers, food service providers, market traders, retailers and government representatives from over 15 countries
around the world.” For an amazing day filled with genuine Aussie experiences the Field Trip and Cultural Activity has been planned as a part of the social programme for congress delegates and their partners. Delegates and their partners will have the opportunity to visit working Australian avocado farms where they can explore vast avocado orchards. The day will also include a visit to the unique and eco-friendly tourist attraction Kuranda where delegates can participate in an Army Duck Rainforest Tours that includes a visit to a Tropical Fruit Orchard, a Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and also visit Kuranda’s largest Koala & Wildlife Park. The social programme also includes the Accompanying Persons Programme, which has been designed especially for the partners of congress delegates. While delegates attend the Congress, their partners will be busy experiencing the best North Queensland has to offer; relaxing beside the Great Barrier Reef at Cape Tribulation, exploring the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest, snorkelling the clear waters of Frankland Island, and shopping their hearts out in trendy Port Douglas. To sign up to one or both of the great experiences offered in the Social Program, interested parties need to
register as a delegate of the VII World Avocado Congress. Registering now will not only ensure a place as a congress delegate but those who register early can receive a discount of up to A$400 on full registration prices. To be a presenter at the VII World Avocado Congress will be a key opportunity to share and showcase good practice or research with others from the world wide avocado industry, and it’s the perfect event to create networks and communities of practice with people that are interested in the same topic or issue. Those interested in presenting at this premier event are strongly urged to submit their abstract/s before the deadline on April 6, 2011. To register as a delegate and/ or learn more about the benefits of presenting and submitting an abstract, please visit the VII World Avocado Congress 2011 website at www. worldavocadocongress2011.com To automatically receive congress updates, become a fan of the World Avocado Congress Facebook page at www. facebook.com/WAC2011 Growers, if you are planning to attend the congress, please let us know so we can keep in touch with you. Call Jo Nunn on 0800 AVOCADO
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Regional Roundup Featured Roundup At Large By Tony Ponder As your elected At Large representative I often reflect on the accountability of my role, what are my obligations, where should I focus, what are the priorities and which growers should I consult? Ultimately I endeavour to bring to the Board table a perspective and accountability that one would expect from a typical commercial directorship. While I’m not specifically “accountable” or aligned to a regional section of growers, I tend to use my existing networks with growers, packers and exporters and specific professional skills to evaluate how the wider AIC policy is being received by stakeholders, particularly growers. This guides my decisionmaking balanced against the strategic objectives set down for the industry and the technical background provided to the Board by the AIC Executive and staff. Our Industry EMS – a roadmap for industry growth at value Your role in the Export Marketing Strategy (EMS) review is critical! This is your opportunity to engage with the industry leadership, have your say, convey your priorities and challenge the current consensus of thinking around our strategic direction. Importantly it provides your elected representatives with an understanding of what is important to you. Under a democracy one grower may not prevail, however the wider debate will ensure the final position is the most relevant for those who have the investment and is appropriate for our industry at this time. As we engage with the EMS review process it’s timely to reflect on why the avocado industry has structured its export activity under the Horticultural Export Authority (HEA) model and what value it adds to us as growers. All recognised product groups (RPG) intending to licence exporters under the HEA Act must have a current EMS that has been approved by the HEA. The EMS is a critical document for all RPG as the strategies and the rules that underpin them are enforceable under the HEA Act. If 28
an exporter prejudices the EMS they can be called to account by the authority. The EMS is developed by the product group in consultation with the industry participants and is approved by the HEA. There must be adequate consultation, general consensus, the terms should be reasonable and ultimately it must add value to the industry over time. Strategic objectives, stakeholder responsibilities and the rules that underpin them should be clearly defined. Finally the industry should routinely review its performance by consulting stakeholders on the fundamentals of the EMS making changes where appropriate. Plants Market Access Council – PMAC – another industry acronym Late last year, on the resignation of Alan Thorn, I was appointed to represent the avocado industry on the Plants Market Access Council. Horticulture New Zealand, Horticultural Export Authority, Horticultural Export Council, Zespri International, Pipfruit New Zealand, NZ Grain & Seed Trade Association, NZ Nursery & Garden Industry Association, NZ Flower Exporters Association, MAF, MFAT and MAF Food Safety join the AIC as members. PMAC was established to provide industry input into MAF’s phytosanitary and food safety work that affects market access programmes for horticultural and arable exports. PMAC is the horticultural/arable industry’s body that considers market access issues for its export products. The council represents a strategic partnership between these sectors and the government agencies involved in trade access for plants, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (phytosanitary and food safety) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to facilitate export trade, PMAC develops and implements strategies for New Zealand’s market access issues. My first meeting will be in late February. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the relevance has not been lost to me given our industry’s priority to open new markets as we grow production. Clearly it’s important that our industry retains a seat at this table. AIC Governance – leading with integrity and maintaining a high standard of business ethics Changes to our industry leadership structure in recent times has seen this organisation move from an elected grower council to a formal board structure where the elected representatives have standard obligations under the Companies Act. For some this is charting new territory and requires a different perspective, thinking, accountability and conduct. It is essential that our Board maintains a high standard of corporate governance practice across the organisation, starting with the directors ourselves at Board level. Good corporate governance is not only about written policies and procedures, it is about acting and leading with integrity and maintaining a high standard of business ethics. The key elements include legislative and regulatory framework, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, delegated authority, compliance, insurance, major transactions, standing committees and critically important evaluating Board performance. One of my personal priorities throughout the year will be to work with and support our Chairman, my fellow directors and the new CEO to further develop our governance framework to ensure we provide real value to the industry at large.
Mid North By Mike Eagles I hope all growers had a happy Christmas and a great New Year. From the beginning of February export picking was slowing down. Local market prices held up very well all season which was excellent and certainly makes a difference to income levels. It would be great if we could do that every year. What are the lessons we can learn? Better export pack-outs and grower discipline, plus improving market information sharing, are what appear to me to be the main reasons for improved prices over the whole season, rather than the boom/bust cycle we normally have. We had two excellent doses of rain in early February which did not appear to have caused any major problems for growers and solved any possible drought implications. Please be aware that with the warm weather leaf roller and greenhouse thrips numbers are increasing, so appropriate Avogreen action will be needed before fruit damage occurs. While fruit are smaller they are very susceptible to insect damage. Fruit set in the Mid North seems very mixed with some growers delighted with their set and others very disappointed after the initial set looked excellent and then dropped. Finally many thanks to Chris Keenan from Hort NZ and the AIC chairman for the help they have given in a dispute with North Power over the issue of North Power being able to stop or control growers planting on their own property. It is not resolved yet but the support we have received is looking like leading to a resolution. Far North By Ian Broadhurst The Far North has been experiencing a sustained period of warm humid weather with very little rain, although a heavy downpour of 145mm was well received late January. With great growing conditions the trees in general are all in excellent health, summer flush is progressing well and the prolonged periods of no rain have enabled most growers to control six spotted mite with well-timed spray regimes. 29
Regional Roundup Special Focus The major pest issue currently is thrip and leafroller but with a good range of chemical choice, primarily for leafroller, most growers have these under control. It looks like there could be other options later on in the year in terms of new chemistry for mites, which will be well received. Most growers in the Far North are fortunate enough to have excellent irrigation systems drawing off a substantial underground aquifer. With most orchards in the north carrying an excellent crop for next season, attention to detail in terms of irrigation is critical to ensure maximum crop retention. It is also interesting to note even with a heavy crop most orchards have continued to push good spring and summer flush which should set the trees up again for good flowering potential for next spring. Generally natural fruit drop ceases by the end of February but management of inputs, especially fertiliser and irrigation on our sandy soils, will require particular attention as we try and size fruit and manage nutrition going into winter. Now is probably the earliest opportunity to think about crop estimates and start giving direction to your exporter. Management of crop flow will be critical in a big crop year so details such as tray numbers, export percentages etc is information most exporters will be looking for to maximise grower returns. Consideration of markets is also an important decision to be mindful of, especially when considering spray options and associated country specific withholding periods for certain chemicals. Thanks to those growers who attended the recent Phytophthora Field Days. Any feedback from these is invaluable and gives direction on how to improve. Also thanks to those that made submissions to the EMS and Grade Standards review. Both these items are always hot debated and worthy of the effort put in to ensure they fairly represent the greater good for growers.
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Bay of Plenty By Ashby Whitehead I hope everyone has had a successful season and are happy with the returns. The recent AIC Phytophthora Field Days held around the regions have been very successful and well supported by the growers, which has been great to see. Thanks to Paul Brookbanks who puts a great deal of effort into ensuring that the content is relevant and useful to us all. Some of the field days had Geoff Thorpe from Riversun Nurseries there to bring growers up to speed with where Riversun is at with clonals and the new varieties. Geoff explained and demonstrated some of the difficulties with growing clonals; he also had available plants at different stages, which was very helpful to understand the procedure that is undertaken. It was plain to see why there is a significant cost differential from seedlings to clonals. Colin Ogle from Hill Laboratories gave a very interesting talk about root sampling and testing for phosphonate levels in the roots. This will give growers a better understanding of the leaves and will enable you to decide if they require injecting on an annual basis or a bi-annual basis. My thoughts would be that prevention is far easier than cure and that an annual injection programme is cheap insurance remembering that it can take two to three years to recover from a phytophthora infection. The next round of field days will be held in May on pesticide classification and use. We need to be mindful of spray selection and withholding periods for the up coming season and keeping the copper programme up as recommended in the best practise guide.
Avogreen Update
By AIC quality coordinator Juan Rosales
Continued...
Rest of NZ By David French By now most growers will be aware that the World Avocado Congress is coming to Cairns, Australia in early September. The Congress will be preceded by a four-day tour of some of Queensland’s avocado growing areas. Following in the wake of their floods and cyclones it will be interesting to see how growers affected by these acts of nature are coping and moving forward. Now our own city of Christchurch has been hammered by another violent earthquake. My sympathies to all in Christchurch affected by the quake. The World Congress only happens every four years and probably won’t be in our backyard again for many years. Many of the world’s top scientists and avocado experts will be in Cairns presenting papers and sharing information. I think it is vitally important that the New Zealand industry is represented and I am pleased to say that most of the AIC Board will be attending. As a grower representative it gives me a chance to learn more about this industry, meet some of the scientists and growers from other countries, and get a feel of what is happening in other avocado growing areas around the world. Personally I will be looking for more information on new varieties and or rootstocks. Meeting and talking to Andre Ernst from Allesbeste Nursery in South Africa at the joint Australia/New Zealand conference in Cairns two years ago inspired me to get involved with the AIC trials on new varieties and I will be planting out some Maluma trees this spring. These will be grafted onto three different rootstocks, traditional Zutano seedlings, clonal Dusa and clonal Bounty. Finally I was very pleased last Friday evening when I entered my local Pak’n Save store and saw an in- store demonstration for Fressure Foods processed avocados. We have had strong local market prices this season and that must in part be due to the fact that Fressure Foods is competing for fruit.
Delivering the industry vision Following a training programme which started in August 2010, the number of PPINs registered under the new AvoGreen is 1082. This is made up of 399 accredited AvoGreen Owner-operators who are monitoring a total of 499 PPINs. As indicated in the AvoGreen requirements, a registered Owner-operator can monitor all the orchards they own or lease plus two other Growers’ PPINs. In addition to this, there are 583 PPINs monitored by eight AvoGreen accredited Operators around all avocado production regions. The list of accredited AvoGreen Operators is shown below: - Aongatete Avocados Limited - AvoFresh (Seeka) - Clare Schatzdorfer - Cropcheck Ltd - Fruitfed - Satara
- T & G Hort (Kerifresh) - Trevelyan AvoGreen accreditation The key change with the current AvoGreen Programme is that all Growers going for export now need to have their orchards monitored and this information can be used to support their pest control programme. When a Grower registers for export next season, the AIC will verify that they have an agreement with an accredited AvoGreen Operator to provide the required monitoring or that they have become an AvoGreen Owner-operator or have an agreement with an Owneroperator. Monitors who have completed the threehour AvoGreen Basic Module and passed the test are provisionally accredited and entitled to do pest monitoring under the new AvoGreen programme. They become fully accredited once they have completed the field training sessions or are exempted from the field sessions by the AIC due to their previous experience with pest
monitoring. If you have any doubts about the state of your AvoGreen accreditation contact Sheryl Wilson at the AIC office. A certificate of accreditation will be issued to monitors working for either accredited AvoGreen Operators or Owner-operators. Owner-operators can use their Licensing agreement as proof of accreditation if required by any of the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) programmes. Please remember that for the 2011-2012 export season AvoGreen is an export requirement under the AIC Export Marketing Strategy (EMS). As signalled, the 2011-2012 fruit set (from November 1, 2010) must be AvoGreen compliant - If you spray without doing monitoring, your fruit will not be AvoGreen compliant and will therefore not meet the requirements for export under the EMS. For technical enquiries on AvoGreen please phone either Juan Rosales at the AIC on 0800 AVOCADO (0800 286 2236) or 07 571 6147 or David Steven on 0508 AVO PEST (0508 286 7378).
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Domestic Market review
By Sheryl Brown
Changing dynamics a plus Freshmax avocado product manager Sue Carter says the domestic market has had a short supply of fruit this year.
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She says the shortage came about because more fruit was available for export. “I think the biggest change this year has been driven by the fact that there was more class 1 fruit for the export market, so there has been less fruit available for the domestic market. “This season growers were getting 70 to 80 per cent plus packouts, where normally they would be 60 to 70 per cent. “That really created a difference in dynamics – it was something we haven’t seen before.” Sue says although it changed the balance of what normally would go to the domestic market, it has helped to build value in both markets. “There is usually a higher value for the export market – and a lower value for the domestic market. What we are seeing this year are better overall average values.” The shortage of fruit in the domestic market pushed avocados up to two to three times the price, says Sue – which is
‘quite a jump’. She says the surprising aspect was that the New Zealand public were paying the extra money for their avocados. “That’s really good from a growers’ perspective. “We’ve seen all the efforts of promotion and trying to offer that good quality product – really pay off – people are prepared to pay for the product.” Sue says it was an unusual growing season which resulted in the fruit been of a very good quality – which ultimately led to the shortage on the domestic scene. There was less ridging, insect damage and less wind rubbing on the avocados – which can all contribute to ‘ugly fruit’, says Sue. Supply manger Dave Alderton says the ridging and protuberances were certainly not there this season, particularly on fruit from Whangarei. “The fruit was a lot more smooth and clean.” There has been some research in to what causes ridging and protuberances, but the cause is still unknown, says Dave. “There are quite a few theories, but there are no facts at this stage.” He says even with the storms, the trees managed to leave the fruit with little wind rub and insect damage.
“We had a very kind season really. Mother Nature – she plays a part.” Dave says looking ahead, next season is going to be another ball game again. “The Bay of Plenty has got some very good sets in the region – not quite as big as they first thought. But Whangarei doesn’t.” Sue says the industry has to cater for a domestic market, which is basically 12 months long now as the demand for avocados increases. “Sales have been very, very good.” She says the other thing the industry is seeing as a real change in the business is the popularity of new varieties. “It’s not just about Hass anymore. There is a lot more interest in new varieties like the Reed avocado.” Many growers have long known about the special attributes of the reed in terms of flavour says Sue. “However, there has been a perception that it would be difficult to educate consumers about the difference in ripening attributes. We put a lot of effort into promoting reeds last season. The results were very positive and the consumers caught on to the differences in fruit attributes very quickly. “While I am sure the hass will be the predominant variety I see a good future for the reeds.” 33
Industry News Change of CEO Update Jen Scoular, new AIC CEO, has been on board since February 7, 2011. She can be contacted at AIC on 07 571 6147, or on jen.scoular@nzavocado.co.nz
Industry Export Marketing Strategy (EMS) 2011 update Submissions for the 2011 EMS closed January 25, 2011. From here these submissions will be reviewed by the EMS Committee (Grower and Packer submissions) and the Recognised Product Group (RPG) (exporter submissions) before the EMS is reviewed and approved by the RPG for Horticultural Export Authority (HEA) sign off.
Quality Standards 2011-2012 The Quality Standards committee is due to meet on Thursday March 24, 2011. This is a consultative committee with representation from growers, packers and exporters. It is tasked with identifying grade standard issues and developing a proposal that addresses these issues for consideration by the Recognised Product Group (RPG).
2011-2012 Export Registration Export registration is completed online at https://secure.nzavocado.co.nz/. The facility to register for the upcoming season will be available from the beginning of May 2011 with grower export registration due June 30, 2011 for the early bird price. Those growers who are unable to register online can either seek assistance through their packhouse/exporter or can request a paper form to fill in which will attract an additional $20 administration fee. Your log-in details for online export registration will be posted to you in April.
VII World Avocado Congress 2011, Cairns, Australia - register now and save Held only every four years, this World Avocado Congress presents a great opportunity to see an avocado growing country while learning the latest techniques for growing, finding out all about avocado marketing and how the economy and climate change are going to impact on our industry. Congress delegate pricing Special NZAGA member prices There are special prices for Australian and New Zealand member delegates. Go to www.worldavocadocongress2011. com and click on the Australia/New Zealand Grower 34
registration link. To keep updated with the VII World Avocado Congress programs, registrations and other activities, please sign up to the Congress’ email update at www. worldavocadocongress2011.com
AGA AGM 12 August 2011, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei. Further details to be confirmed.
Avocado Awards Nominations due April 8, 2011 The Avocado Growers’ Association (AGA) would like to call for nominations from all members of the AGA for the following awards, to be presented at the AGM, August 12, 2011. There are three categories of awards: 1. Life Members With a limit of five life members at any one time, the purpose of this award is to acknowledge and recognise leadership contributions and input into the Avocado Growers’ Association which materially advance the association to the benefit of members. Life membership of the association is restricted to members of the association. 2. Avocado Award This award is to acknowledge and recognise contributions to the avocado sector that change or alter the business resulting in advancement forward in the avocado sector. The purpose of this award is to recognise contributions in all areas of the sector and including but not limited to marketing, research and development and product and production innovation. This category of award is open to any industry stakeholder or participant. 3. Service Award This award is given in recognition of service to the sector by an AGA executive committee member who has served two
or more terms. Please email nominations to Edwina at the AIC by Friday April 8, 2011: edwina@nzavocado.co.nz.
and Password please contact AgFirst for assistance. If as a packer you do not know your report code, please contact Juan at the AIC.
ERMA Re-assessment of Orthene (acephate)
New Quad Bike Guidelines from the Department of Labour
ERMA has undertaken a reassessment of acephate (Orthene), an organophosphate used on avocados. The outcome of the review is that ERMA proposes to phase out the use of this insecticide. This would mean use of the chemical may be prohibited with a relatively short phase-out period to allow disposal through use of the product. The reasons given are the risks to human health and the environment, which cannot be adequately reduced to an acceptable level by controls such as full personal protective equipment, extended re-entry intervals and buffer zones. The AIC will be making a further submission to ERMA on the proposed length of the phase out period. There has been relatively little use of Orthene in the industry during recent years. However, if any people still have stocks of Orthene on hand, could they please contact Henry Pak at the AIC and let him know the amount of chemical that they still have. People who are regular users of Orthene should indicate any special reason why they prefer to use that product; e.g. any specific pests that they prefer to use if for, regional pest pressure, etc. This information will assist the AIC in putting together an application.
Library Tray Reports To see library tray reports for fruit that has completed green and ripe fruit assessments, go to the industry website (www.nzavocado.co.nz), click on PackingExporting in the top menu and then click on Library Trays found in the drop down menu and then follow the links. If you do not know your Username
The Department of Labour has released Guidelines for the Safe Use of Quad Bikes on Farms. These guidelines provide farmers, farm workers and contractors with practical advice about how to stay safe when using a quad bike for work. They are very clear about what the department expects of employers and others who have duties under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. While not law, the guidelines may be used by the Courts to help decide whether or not someone has failed to comply with any provision of the Act. From April 2011 the department’s quad bike campaign will broaden to focus on enforcement action where inspectors find evidence of people working with quad bikes in a dangerous way. The guidelines can be found on the Dept of Labour website at: http://osh. govt.nz/publications/booklets/safe-usequad-bikes/quad-03.asp
Growers - are you connected? Don’t miss out on important updates and industry information; make sure you register your email address with the AIC to receive AvoConnect - the NZ Avocado Industry e-newsletter. Phone 0800 286 2236 or email joannenunn@nzavocado.co.nz to register. Important note: To avoid AvoConnect being blocked or ending up in your junk email folder, make sure you add info@nzavocado. co.nz to your email’s “Safe Sender List”. 35
Roly and Ngaire Cliff’s orchard broke industry records in 2009/2010 but this season production volumes have been down significantly.
By Natasha Mitchell
Record-breaking growers Whangarei orchardist Ngaire Cliff believes if people want to grow avocados successfully, all they have to do is follow the advice in the Avocado Industry Council’s Growers’ Manual. She and her husband Roly own the 80 hectare Cliff Orchard at Whatitiri. Approximately 64 hectares are planted with 8500 avocado trees and the rest is bush or clay soil unsuitable for productive growing. In the 2009/2010 export season they set an industry record by becoming the first avocado growers to pack 100,000 trays in one season. It was an ambitious goal the Cliffs had been working towards for a number of years, yet Ngaire is modest about their endeavours. “We haven’t really experimented a lot. We stick with the basics we’ve been taught in the Grower 36
Manual. That’s been a really useful document.” The couple planted their first 10 hectares of avocado trees in 1979 on the family farm where Roly grew up. The property was then a sheep and beef unit. In 1995 they converted the rest of the land to growing avocados, creating the largest orchard in the region. “We had to part with some of the farm (originally 133 hectares) and it made it too small, so we committed ourselves to avocados,” says Ngaire. “At the time it was kiwifruit boom time. We had a look at that and realised how much work was involved. Avocados were just being mentioned and we headed for that instead. We’re definitely glad we did it.” Ngaire, who grew up on a dairy farm, enjoys working on the orchard and finds the growth cycle of the avocado tree fascinating. “What I find quite interesting is when you take one crop off, the next one is starting to set. That keeps you interested in it. There’s always something to do and it’s
outside work, which is what we like. It’s a good lifestyle.” Growing avocados is a family affair. Roly, 69, is now semi-retired but Ngaire, 63, and son-in-law Mark West work on the orchard full-time. “I check the irrigation, spray weeds with Round-up, prune and mow, and plant trees - everything except use the sprayer and a chainsaw, which Mark does,” says Ngaire. Mark also puts fertiliser on the orchard, based on a programme created by a consultant. The Cliffs’ two daughters and their son help out as well and other family members get involved as they are needed. “We do our own picking and bring in workers to help with that. Other than that we don’t get anybody in to do anything other than cut hedges and sow lime. So we know the orchard pretty well.” The Cliffs target the export market: “That’s where you get your better money.” They pack with Apata and export with Primor. The family was delighted to hit its 100,000 tray target last season. “We’d been trying to hit that for three years before and we were thinking ‘it must come’. It was a real highlight.” Ngaire says historically their production figures have usually increased and then levelled off for a few years before making
another increase. However 2010/2011 production is down to 34,000 trays, partly due to a cold spring. She says cold springs play an important role in production on their orchard. “Next year is a disaster. We’ve had really cold nights. We will only produce as much
Production figures for Cliff Orchard Season 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010
Trays 58,000 trays 57,000 trays 72,000 trays 53,000 trays 100,000 trays
as this year or less. But the same problem is all around Whangarei.” In the past storms have also led to crop losses and fruit damage, which lowers their export pack-out. Until the 2009/2010 export season biennial bearing has not been a problem. Northland’s volcanic soils mean irrigation is essential and the system is used once a week during dry periods. “If you’re buying an orchard, make sure
you buy in a good location with a good soil type, good drainage, and make sure the sight is frost-free.” The Cliffs’ orchard has experienced a bit of phytophthora but Ngaire says it has not been a major issue. Six spotted mite and leaf roller are the only pest problems. Despite achieving high production on their own orchard, she is unsure whether the New Zealand avocado industry will meet its target of 12 million export trays by 2015. “And if it does happen, what will happen to prices?” Developing new export markets other than Australia is essential to the industry’s future, she says. Ngaire also supports the recently opened ultra high pressure processing plant. “I think that’s going to be great. I think it has to happen and it will probably save our bacon a bit, by helping keep prices up, especially for local market fruit.” With the first trees on their orchard now 31 years old, production from these trees is now declining. Ngaire is closely watching the progress of releasing new rootstocks in New Zealand. “I think the industry should really start trying to push for new rootstocks and get them happening. We’re getting to the stage where our older stuff wants chopping out and replacing, so we need the new rootstocks sooner rather than later.” 37
An English rose joins the AIC team The English accent greeting you on the phone at the avocado headquarters belongs to new employee Jo Nunn. The English rose, who descends from the Midlands, started with the Avocado Industry Council as receptionist and assistant administrator assistant in January. Coming from a country where she says avocados were a luxury item, Jo is now enjoying learning about the abundant avocado industry in New Zealand. She says she is learning more about the industry every day and is cottoning on to some of the more specific avocado terminology. “I’ve got a lot to learn, but I have picked up some of the terms now. “I’ve been talking to the growers on
the phone, everyone seems really friendly.” Her previous role was in administration at the Harvey Norman office. As well as answering the phone at the Avocado Industry Council offices in Tauranga, Jo says she helps with registrations, AvoGreen and crop estimates. “I do anything that anyone asks me to do.” She says avocados were not in huge supply in England and she would only ever buy one at a time, so she has been enjoying the plentiful supply of the fruit in the sunny Bay of Plenty. Jo moved to Tauranga with her husband and two teenage children two years ago from England after she was made redundant from a company where she had worked for 18 years. “We thought the time was right for a
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move - we thought there must be a better place to live. “We moved out without ever having been to New Zealand before, or knowing anybody here. “We read a book that said Tauranga was a nice place and it had lots of British people, so we came here.” The move has been rewarded by lots of new Kiwi friends says Jo, and of course the weather is a lot nicer.
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