Avocado industry researchers receive Australia Day awards

Avocados Australia and Australian avocado growers congratulate both Dr Tony Whiley and Mr Ken Pegg for their tireless and dedicated work for the avocado industry, recognised in the Australia Day 2008 Honours List.

The Member of the Order of Australia has been awarded to Mr Ken Pegg for service to horticulture as a research scientist in the field of plant pathology, particularly disease management of tropical and subtropical fruit crops.

Dr Tony Whiley was also awarded for service to horticulture as a research scientist, particularly the development of disease-resistant plants and improved growing, marketing and management practices in the avocado and mango industries.

In what have been parallel careers in avocado research, Dr Whiley and Mr Pegg both originally worked in the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, began in avocado research over 35 years ago and continue to support and mentor each other to this day.

Over the last six years, outside of the QDPI&F, both have continued to focus their considerable avocado knowledge on ensuring the Australian industry has the ability to deliver higher quality avocados to Australian and international consumers, through disease management, rootstock improvement and the understanding of many aspects of what is a little-understood tree crop.

The Australian Avocado industry comprises 1200 growers across the country and produces 46,000 tonnes of avocados each year worth AU$120 million at farm gate and $420 million at retail level. Key growing areas are North, Central and South-East Queensland, Northern and Central New South Wales, the Sunraysia or Tristate area (South Australia, Victoria and South Western New South Wales) and Western Australia.

“They both have been instrumental in growing the Australian industry over 20-fold in 35 years and contributing millions of dollars to the value of our industry and into regional communities across Australia,” said Mr Allen. “Congratulations Ken and Tony. These awards are well deserved.”

For further information visit Avocados Australia.