Early indications are pointing to an extended Queensland avocado season next year, with some fruit already appearing on trees in the far north. It follows an average harvest this year.
Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas said north Queensland yields were strong, but were offset by a sub-standard crop in the central growing region affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
"Central Queensland was well behind forecast and then west of Brisbane they're back off a bit but it all evens out, so the total supply out of Queensland has been in line with where we thought it might be," he said.
Mr Tyas said next year's harvest was looking much more promising, with farmers tipping an early and longer picking period.
"The flowering started early on the Tablelands and it's looking like a really good flowering, so they should be in for another good crop this year and it could start about a month early," he said.
The far north avocado harvest traditionally runs from February to July, but farm manager Matt Fealy expected to begin picking in late January.
