Jim Kochi (pictured), an avocado grower of 32 years has taken up the role as the chair of national peak industry body for avocados.

During 2009, the Avocados Australia board implemented a planned transition to a new chairman on January 1, 2010.

Henry Kwaczynski, chairman from 2006 to 2009, stepped down to allow other board members to build capacity and experience in the leadership role. Mr Kochi comes into the role in a busy time for Avocados Australia, with the group selected to host the VII World Avocado Congress in 2011.

The Congress will be held in Cairns on September 4-9, 2011.

Mr Kochi is the local Director for North Queensland and will have a key role in ensuring the congress is a success.

He has been a member of the board for seven years and has also been chairman of the North Queensland Avocado Growers Co-operative Association Ltd (Shepard Australia) since 2001.

"I'm pleased to have the confidence of the board and the industry," Mr Kochi said.

"We will continue to work hard to ensure that avocado growers have the best services and opportunities to maintain a profitable business."

The Australian Avocado industry comprises 1200 growers across the country producing 47,000 tonnes of avocados each year worth $140 million at farm gate and $380m at retail level.

* World Avocado Congress details are at www.worldavocadocongress2011.com