An Australian mango growers' group hopes a conference later this year will be a catalyst for change within the industry.

The Australian Mango Industry Association will meet in Townsville in May to discuss progress towards sustainability.

The association's development manager, Trevor Dunmall, said growers are despondent after a season of poor prices and gluts on the market.

He said the nation's 1,500 growers must embrace common goals. Amongst those is the desire to expand the export market for the product.