In W25 in the avocado landscape, it was reported that the Rural Development Agency of Colombia will co-finance a Hass avocado plant in Marquetalia, Manzanares, and Pennsylvania with an investment of USD 5.59 million. The plant will have the capacity to classify 3.5 tons per hour and meet international export standards. It is expected to process over 12 thousand tons of Hass avocados annually from various regions. The project aims to empower small producers by giving them control over the selection, packaging, and export processes. Additionally, it will provide support in the form of seedlings, tools, technical assistance, and agro-industrial equipment for the processing and packaging of Hass avocados for export. The Third National Avocado Congress recently took place in Antigua Guatemala, with the participation of over 300 industry professionals. The congress aimed to update knowledge and discuss various aspects of avocado production in Guatemala, including varieties, innovation, and new technologies. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food is working to expand the market for Guatemalan avocados, targeting the United States, South Korea, Japan, Chile, and Argentina. Guatemala has established itself as one of the top 15 avocado-exporting countries globally and recorded significant export growth, reaching USD 7.36 billion in 2022. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Honduras, and El Salvador are among the major destinations for Guatemalan avocados. California Avocados are in season, with larger and greener fruits expected for 2023. The California Avocado Commission predicts a 7% decrease in overall yield compared to last year due to winter and spring rains causing a delay in the harvest. However, the rain has benefited the trees, resulting in larger avocados. Hass avocados are projected to account for the majority of the harvest. The Hass Avocado Board and the California Avocado Commission are investing in research, promotions, and advertising to stimulate avocado consumption.
On the other hand, Kenya's agricultural quality assurance agency, Kephis, is engaging in discussions with countries like the United States (US) and South Korea to explore new markets for Kenyan avocados. This initiative aims to tackle an expected oversupply of avocados and safeguard farmers from potential losses. The expansion of avocado cultivation in non-traditional counties has led to a significant increase in avocado production, prompting the need to expand market reach. Kephis is negotiating with the US, South Korea, Jordan, India, and Mauritius to diversify export destinations beyond Europe and the Middle East. However, access to these markets depends on pest assessments and compliance with international safety standards. Kephis has made substantial progress in pest management and detection over its 25-year tenure, ensuring compliance with market demands for safety standards. The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, underscores the importance of adhering to these standards for the successful export of Kenyan produce. The Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in Uganda has recommended that the government subsidize the cost of Hass avocado and macadamia seedlings. Emphasizing the need for the Ministry of Agriculture to promote reliable partners for these crops and support successful cultivation. Avocados and macadamia have high international demand and potential for export markets. The Ministry has included these crops in development programs, and the committee suggests promoting the avocado value chain through support for producer cooperatives and enhancing competitiveness.
Lastly, the arrival of trial shipments of Australian avocados in Mumbai marks a significant opportunity for Indian fruit traders to expand their market reach. These trial shipments, part of a series of 10, are a result of tariff duty reductions under the bilateral free trade agreement between Australia and India. Australian avocado growers and suppliers, facing an oversupply due to increased plantings, view access to the Indian market as crucial. With reduced tariffs and the growing popularity of avocados in India, Australian exporters aim to capitalize on this market potential. The India-Australia Free Trade Agreement targets a boost in bilateral trade to USD 50 billion within five years. If the trial shipments of Australian avocados are successful, three additional shipments will be shipped over the following weeks. The final protocol is expected to be presented by the Indian government. The Free Trade Agreement between Australia and India, signed in 2022, will gradually reduce tariffs from 21% to 0% by 2028.
