Guacamole galore at avocado festival

• 50 to 80 per cent of locally grown avocados sent interstate
• First avocado festival this weekend celebrates success of industry
• Goods range from guacamole to ciders to beauty products

With Western Australia's avocado industry experiencing significant growth, growers are preparing for the first festival this weekend at Araluen Botanic Park in Roleystone.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said the avocado industry produced almost 18,575 tonnes in 2012-13, rising to 24,000 tonnes in 2014-15, injecting more than $150 million into the State's economy.

"We have significant growing areas in Pickering Brook, Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup and Pemberton, with smaller plantings scattered along the coast from Carnarvon to Albany," Mr Baston said.

While the main commercial season runs from August to February, differences in the State's climate mean that avocados can be available all year round.  WA predominantly grows the Hass variety (more than 95 per cent of total commercial production), with smaller production of Reed, Fuerte, Sharwil, Lamb Hass, Llanos Hass and Bacon.

"Traditionally, our avocado production has alternated year on, year off with one heavy growing season followed by one light season. The industry is working to reduce this variation," the Minister said.

While the local market is important, 50 to 80 per cent of production is sold interstate and a modest but growing percentage is exported to destinations including Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Fact File

• Araluen's West Australian Avocado Festival will be held at Araluen Botanic Park, Roleystone from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29
• For more information, visit http://www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au/festivals/avocadofestival
• WA consumers buy 3,774 tonnes of avocado, with 5,648 sent to NSW, 4,895 to Victoria, 2,768 to Queensland, 891 to South Australia and the Northern Territory, and 598 sent overseas

Minister's office - 6552 5400