Avo growers getting smashed
New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert says avocado growers are facing increasing cost pressure across all areas of their business.
In early April next year, the world's leading avocado specialists will descend on New Zealand for the 10th World Avocado Congress.
Jen Scoular, New Zealand Avocado chief executive and president of the World Avocado Congress Committee, says the congress represents an extraordinary opportunity for the world's avocado industries and horticulture sectors to come together.
"New Zealand is proud to host this prestigious international event," she says. "The World Avocado Congress will demonstrate New Zealand food safety and quality systems, growing practices and the ethical treatment of growers and communities that live in avocado growing regions."
Scoular adds that it will also provide an opportunity to access innovation, global knowledge and science to support the growth of the sector.
First hosted in Johannesburg in 1987, the event attracts thousands of delegates, with some of the brightest and most dedicated minds in avocados - including growers, researchers, marketers, retailers, tech innovators and investors attending.
New Zealand, which contributes 2% of global avocado production (44,000 tonnes/$227m) and is the world's ninth largest avocado exporter (28,050 tonnes/$167m), won the hosting rights to the congress back in 2019.
New Zealand, Mexico (the world's largest avocado exporter) and Kenya (the 6th largest exporter) were the three countries to put forward a bid to win the hosting rights for the 2023 event, with NZ winning out.
Held every four years, previous congresses have been hosted in Colombia, Australia and Israel among others.
Scoular says following the global pandemic, NZ is delighted to welcome international avocado visitors to the country to showcase our industry.
The World Avocado Congress will take place at the Aotea Centre in Auckland. It will include a three-day academic programme with international keynote speakers, regional field days and other events.
Tickets will be available in June 2022 on the World Avocado Congress website.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…