FOREWORD

 

Welcome to the Second Edition of the Annual Research Report. 

 

As an industry we need to increase our rate of innovation to ensure continued vibrancy and prosperity.  Importantly we need to understand that when “the world out there is moving faster than the world in here – the end is in sight”.  We are all participants in an exciting, challenging and brutal global avocado market.  How well we do depends on us. 

 

Research and technology development is one way of ensuring that we are moving faster than “those out there”.  However, the value of research is primarily in its use and application rather than in its activity.  Research data and information needs to be presented to industry in a format that allows the industry innovators to grab it and, more importantly, use it.  A key part of the AGA strategy is to ensure that every orchardist understands that there is a lot more to orcharding than labour and consultant advice and that growers are an integral and important part of the “knowledge wave” that will add value and wealth to the New Zealand economy.

 

This Edition focuses largely on two specific and topical issues, six spotted mites and postharvest quality.  There is other content including two reviews written specifically for growers to raise their understanding in the two key areas of pollination and postharvest rots.  We are hopeful that more informed discussion and debate will occur and the result will be another round of innovation throughout our industry.

 

As growers and members of the AGA you have paid for this research.  To get value it is now our collective challenge to use it.

 

Read and enjoy!

Dr Jonathan Cutting

Chief Executive Officer

New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association