Just Avocados appoint productivity manager

Just Avocados Ltd managing director Andrew Darling with new orchard productivity manager, Erica Faber.

Just Avocados' new orchard productivity manager, Erica Faber, is set to support growers to realise the potential of their avocado orchards.

Erica brings with her over 21 years' experience in the horticulture industry with 16 years as a technical adviser.

She has gained recognition in the citrus and avocado industries in South Africa for innovative contributions improving propagation methods, production and profits.

Just Avocados managing director Andrew Darling says Erica's appointment is an exciting development for the Just Avocados business and will be of great benefit to their growers.

"We have a focus on adding value to our growers and Erica's appointment is a significant milestone. I believe that our growers have a great opportunity to engage with her to discuss and develop strategies for increasing the productivity of their orchards."

Most recently, Erica managed all facets of production on a 175ha avocado operation in South Africa.

She was also responsible for the yearly 20-40ha expansion of the orchard, market and customer compliance, and harvesting to integrate with overseas markets to ensure optimum profitability.

While managing this orchard, Erica carried out a number of avocado research trials on irregular bearing, pest control, pruning techniques, and influencing the onset of bearing in young trees.

The application of positive learnings from this research significantly improved the profitability of this business.

In her role with Just Avocados, Erica will lead programmes to support their growers nationally to increase their productivity, including providing technical advice, working with the team to provide targeted field events and proactive communications with regards to orchard management.

"I will work with our growers to ensure their orchards are as productive and profitable as possible.

"I look forward to meeting all our growers and sharing my passion for an exciting crop that is growing significantly worldwide," she says.

Erica is enjoying visiting growers and building profiles of orchards to see where she can best assist.

"I want our growers to have information and advice on the best regimes with regards to specific nutrition practices and pruning techniques as this will have a big impact on their productivity but I am here to provide support to the growers on all aspects of orchard management."

Erica will be at the Just Avocados stand at the Katikati A&P Show AvoExpo this Sunday, February 5 at the Uretara Domain.