Developing a strategy for long-term sustainability of avocado production in Australia (AV23016)

What was it all about?

This project delivered the first coordinated sustainability strategy for the Australian avocado industry, giving growers and supply‑chain partners a clear pathway to understand, measure and improve their sustainability performance. It brought together existing knowledge, grower experience and global best practice to outline industry strengths, future risks and practical actions that will support long‑term resilience and market confidence.

To build the strategy, the project team undertook extensive consultation with growers, marketers, technical experts and program providers. This included 15 in‑depth interviews, workshops and oversight from a Project Reference Group. A detailed desktop review assessed the industry’s environmental, economic and social performance, and examined how current programs—such as benchmarking, Infocado and the national Life Cycle Assessment—can support future reporting. The team then developed a draft sustainability framework aligned to the Australian‑Grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework, which was refined through industry testing and a national survey.

This project strengthens the industry’s ability to show evidence‑based sustainability credentials, maintain market access and meet changing consumer expectations. It also guides future research, development and extension investment, ensuring growers are supported to improve efficiency, reduce risk and remain competitive in domestic and international markets.

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Read the desktop review that informed the strategy here.

Read the Australian Avocado Sustainability Strategy here.