Avocados are a staple in many Australian’s diets and a heart health booster. Avocados contain mostly healthy mono-unsaturated fats, which can help promote healthy cholesterol levels in the body.
While biologically a fruit, avocados fall under the vegetable food group, one of the five food groups in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. As you know, this is a food selection guide which visually represents the proportion of the five food groups recommended for consumption each day.
There are 10 varieties of avocado grown across Australia, with the majority (80%) being Hass or (17%) Shepard varieties. Queensland is the lead grower of avocados, producing nearly 50% of Australia’s avocados!
Kanako Boothman in front of newly planted avocado trees
Today we meet avocado farmers, Kanako, Mark and Peter Boothman, as part of QCWA Country Kitchen’s Meet a Farmer initiative.
Originally a dairy farm, the property has been in the family since 1982. Mark’s father Peter started a small avocado production years ago, with hopes to expand the operation. This year the Boothman’s have planted over 700 new trees!
New avocado tree paddock
Kanako is our first member/farmer interviewed and she is a proud member of the QCWA Coomera branch. To catch up with our other Meet a Farmer blogs head to our website.
“I joined the QCWA as my aunt, Mrs. Helen Boothman’s mother, Mrs. Mabel Ellen Siganto, was one of the founders of Coomera branch, which started around 1954. I wanted to be a part of the legacy and became a member of Coomera branch myself”
Having grown up in urban Japan, Kanako has become very passionate about farming, a passion her husband Mark shares.
”I love the freedom and seeing the wildlife every day, from wallabies to hares chasing each other, eagles and king parrots just to name a few,” said Kanako.
Mark agrees saying
“I spent a lot of my youth out here and always liked getting my hands dirty. Kanako, being married to me, has developed a passion for it… When we purchased the property there were some mature trees in the bottom paddock and we planted the top paddock… You get to see your hard work come to fruition, from a sapling to a mature tree.”
[Left to right] Konako Boothman, Mark Boothman, Peter Boothman and Lindsey Thynne
While the joy the Boothman’s have from farming shines through, it does have its struggles. Avocados are notoriously difficult to grow and are extremely susceptible to fungal diseases and changes in weather conditions. Phytophthora cinnamomic is a soil-borne fungus that causes root rot in avocado trees. The trees require constant attention in their first 2-3 years of life and thorough planning before planting begins.
“There is a lot of planning before trees even go into the ground; mapping out where to plant the trees and checking water pressure. We also have to get the soil ready for planting, to help prevent fungal diseases.
Once the tree mapping is sorted, we get the excavator in to do the initial digging, then finish digging the last bit of the hole by hand. From there, the trees get planted and the irrigation line is set up.
“We work really well together as a team throughout the process,” said Mark
It takes about two to three years for trees to start bearing fruit and four to five years for a strong production. The first two years are also when the trees require the most attention, needing consistent watering and monitoring for diseases.
Having just planted about 700 trees, the Boothman’s are in for a busy year ahead.
While shoppers may be used to seeing Hass and Shepard avocado varieties, the Boothman’s primarily grow the Fuerte avocados at their property.
“Fuerte is a premium avocado, it is extremely creamy and primarily goes to restaurants. You cannot usually find Fuerte in the markets, as they are too easily damaged to work well in supermarkets” Mark explains.
Avocados almost ready for harvest
Like most farmers, the Boothman’s work long days, balancing building their farm with family and other work. As a Member of Parliament for Theodore, Mark has the unique position of being involved in both politics and agriculture. He believes both individuals and communities play a part in supporting farmers.
“One of the main things is when you are at the supermarket, buy Australian, there is a lot of diverse product from around the world and if you can choose Australian first that helps.”
“It is also important to protect agricultural land. As suburbia spreads out it is putting pressure on good soil country. For example, Redlands was a food bowl for southeast Queensland and is now all houses. We should focus on developing poor soil areas. Government and community can have a say in protecting farmland,” said Mark.
Finally, when asked about the best way to eat an avocado, the Boothman’s keep it simple.
“Mashed on toast, there is no better way!”
If you are craving avocados, head to our website and try our avocado salsa and pita chips recipe. This homemade dip gives you 1 serve of veggies per portion and is sure to be a hit at your next party. To learn more about the QCWA Country Kitchens program or the Meet a Farmer initiative, contact us at countrykitchens@qcwa.org.au.
The QCWA Country Kitchens program is proudly funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Industry: Orchard Fruits, Avocados
Location: Beechmont (Gold Coast Hinterlands), Queensland
QCWA Division: South Eastern
QCWA Connection: Kanako Boothman, QCWA member and Country Kitchens Facilitator, Coomera Branch
