General News
13 June, 2026
Avocadoes to take spot at show
A BRAND new commercial avocado growers’ competition is being introduced to the Atherton Show to celebrate the skill, hard work and innovation of local producers.
The new competition ties in with the 2026 Show theme, “Fields of the Future – Innovate, Cultivate, Celebrate”, which focuses on the ideas and people shaping the future of agriculture.
Avocados have also been chosen as one of this year’s featured produce, showing just how important they are to the Tablelands.
Show secretary Vicki Baylis said most agricultural shows had general fruit and veggie classes, but it was unusual to see a special competition just for commercial avocado growers.
“A search of other Australian and international shows suggests that Atherton’s new class is one of the first to highlight commercial avocado lines in this way,” she said.
“This makes the Atherton Show a leader in recognising one of North Queensland’s most exciting and fast‑growing industries.”
Ms Baylis said the show had decided to highlight the avocado industry through the competition because the sector had grown rapidly over the past 10 years.
“Many parts of the region are now covered in what local’s call ‘hectares upon hectares of avocados’,” she said.
“North Queensland now produces about a quarter of all avocados grown in Australia, and production has tripled in the last decade.
“The industry, which is made up of both large companies and family farms, is worth well over $175-250 million each year. It supports local jobs, investment and export opportunities.”
This new competition gives growers a chance to show the quality and consistency of their fruit, share their stories of innovation and sustainability, and highlight the important role avocados play in the Tablelands economy.
Any commercial avocado grower supplying the fresh market or exporting the fruit can enter the competition as long as the orchards are in North Queensland.
The Atherton Show will be held on 29-30 June.
Full entry requirements are available in the official Atherton Show competition schedule which can be accessed by going to https://athertonshow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11-Agriculture_2026.pdf
