Growing Together: A Regional Approach to Avocado Extension

Abstract

Abstract only - Oral presentation

Theme:
Driving Practice Change Through Collaborative, Targeted Extension

Abstract:
The five-year Avocado Industry Development and Extension Project (AV23010) was developed through extensive consultation with growers and stakeholders across the Australian avocado industry.
Taking a targeted and collaborative approach, the project is guided by the Australian Avocado Industry Extension Strategy and builds on insights from the previous project (AV17005). A comprehensive co-design process with industry was central to shaping the project’s scope, objectives, and regionally relevant activities. This process ensured strong grower engagement from the outset, led to formal industry endorsement, and identified six of the twenty priority practice change areas from the strategy the project will focus on.
To reflect regional differences and drive locally relevant impact, the project follows a regionally tailored delivery model. Each of the six major growing regions is supported by a dedicated regional lead, who is responsible for ongoing grower consultation and engagement. These leads are supported by informal advisory groups comprising local growers and stakeholders, who help identify regional priorities, guide technical direction, and endorse local activities. At the national level, a project reference group provides overarching guidance and ensures alignment with broader industry objectives.
Extension activities are delivered through multiple channels, including regional forums, best practice workshops, irrigation and sprayer training, webinars, and targeted communications such as forum summaries, Avo Alerts and case study videos.
The project’s goal is to deliver on the industry endorsed practice change strategies aligned with each of the six priority areas, all contributing to the broader industry objectives of improved profitability, preparedness, and global competitiveness.