If the present avocado crop of 5 ton/ ha could be raised to 7,5 ton/ha, combined with the quality increase, an additional amount of R36 000 000 can be earned by the industry. The ideal of reaching 15 ton/ha is possible and the income could then increase by more than R100 million annually.
How profitable is avocado farming?
According to Currier, “an extremely good” grower might get 15,000 pounds per acre, but the average for the state is more like 5,500 pounds. Fallbrook grove owner Folkedale says the profit from every 60 or 70 avocado trees equals about $3,000 per year after expenses, not including taxes.
How long does it take for an avocado tree to bear fruit in South Africa?
How long does it take for an avocado tree to bear fruit in South Africa? Trees grown from seed produce fruit after 7 to 10 years (grafted trees after 2 years).
Who is the largest avocado producer in South Africa?
The Limpopo province is the largest avocado production area accounting for 58 percent of the total production in 2020, followed by Mpumalanga (24 percent), and Kwa Zulu Natal (14 percent). The Eastern Cape and Western Cape account for only 4 percent of the total production.
Where are avocados grown in South Africa?
Avocados in South Africa are grown under drip irrigation in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Kwa Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape Provinces.
How much can I earn from an acre of avocado?
Given the average yield of the experiment of 16,220 lbs. per acre (average of 4 years from 2014 to -2017) and an average price of $ 1.32 per lb., returns to management is estimated at $6,260 per acre.
How many avocado trees can be planted in a hectare?
Plantings of approximately 400 trees per hectare are recommended. The problem with such plantings of avocado trees is that within a few years overcrowding and encroachment problems will occur.
What season do avocados grow in South Africa?
Avocado season is in full swing in South Africa from March through to September.
How many times a year does an avocado tree bear fruit?
How many fruit will a mature tree produce in one year? It is possible for an avocado tree to produce 200 to 300 fruit per tree once it is about 5-7 years of age. The avocado tree, however, alternates bearing. This means that the tree may produce a large crop one year, and then produce a small crop the following year.
How much is avocado in South Africa?
A kilo of South Africa Avocados is around USD 0.91 in Johannesburg and Cape Town, packed and ready for export. The price in ZAR currency is 0.0635635. The prices of avocados in South Africa per tonne for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were US$ 38.40, US$ 31.98, US$ 47.89 and US$ 28.37 respectively.
Where does South Africa import avocados from?
Currently South Africa is importing approximately 388,000kg fresh avocados for consumption annually out of season from Kenya, Spain and Israel.”
Does South Africa produce avocado?
Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been concentrated in the warm subtropical areas of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in the North East of the country between latitudes 22 °S and 25 °S.
What are the largest avocado companies?
Calavo Growers, Inc.
(Nasdaq: CVGW) is an international consumer goods and farm products company. The company packages, and distributes avocados and other fruits, as well as their fresh prepared food to restaurants, stores, and individual customers worldwide.
How much water does an avocado tree need in South Africa?
150-200 litres
South Africa, as of 2020, has 14 700 ha under avocado orchards, with about 800 ha added each year. Trouble is, it takes a lot of water to grow one. Some 150-200 litres are needed to produce a single avocado of perhaps 250 g.
Do avocado trees need full sun?
Sun and shade
Hass avocado trees thrive in bright, direct, unfiltered sunlight. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day, but they can tolerate slight shade. The more light hitting the leaves, the better.
Which country has the best avocado?
The best avocado in the world comes from Peru and is called Hass – Westfalia Fruit.
How many avocado trees should be planted per acre?
Traditional plantings of avocados are spaced 20’x15′ or 145 trees per acre (Photo by Ben Faber).
How many avocado trees can be planted in an acre?
150 avocado trees
Planting holes
With this spacing, 150 avocado trees can be planted in an acre. However, tree spacing within the line can range from 3m to 5m while the space between the lines should be at least 5m and at most 7m. The best practice is to dig the holes in a straight line.
How many kilos of avocados does a tree produce?
An avocado tree yields 230-320 kg (7.5-11 t ha–1) of fruit per year. Grafted trees start bearing after 3-4 years after planting but economical crop is obtainable from the sixth year.
What kind of fertilizer do avocados need?
Avocados need nitrogen, first and foremost, and a little zinc. You can use a citrus tree fertilizer as an avocado fertilizer or go organic and use compost, coffee, fish emulsion, etc. Avocados are hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11 and in those regions soil is generally sufficiently nutrient rich to support an avocado.
What is the distance between two avocado trees?
If you have soil that doesn’t drain well, work in sand or other gritty matter to increase its drainage. Also, you need to leave 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 m.) from buildings and up to 30 feet (10 m.) of space apart when planting avocado trees.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.