The Almond Board of Australia represents the biosecurity interests of almond producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2017–18, almond production was valued at $441 million (LVP), with exports valued at $440 million.
The domestic market for almonds continues to grow strongly at around 10 per cent per year due to an increasing move to plant-based diets and the health benefits of nuts. The industry has focused on export market development, with three tonnes of almonds being shipped overseas for every tonne consumed in Australia. Historically, India has been the largest export market, but sales to China continue to increase rapidly, making it the major destination for Australian almonds.
The industry has been expanding rapidly since 2016 with an additional 20,000 hectares being planted, bringing the total industry orchard area to 50,000 hectares. The orchards are concentrated along the Murray Valley in Victoria (53%), SA (21%), and NSW (24%), with an orchard in WA (2%).
The 2019 production was 104,000 tonnes, however when current plantings reach full maturity the industry’s productive capacity will be approximately 160,000 tonnes.
Nonpareil continues to be the most popular variety with several pollinator varieties such as Carmel, Price and Monterey planted to overlap the flowering period of Nonpareil to achieve good nut set.
The Australian almond industry depends on honey bees for pollination with more than 200,000 hives required during the pollination season. The almond blossoms provide one of the first natural sources of food for bees each spring.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of almond production, 2007–18
Distribution of almond production by state and territory, 2017–18 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Biosecurity Plan for the Tree Nut Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the almond industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Tree Nut Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected]
Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Almond Industry
The Orchard Biosecurity Manual for the Almond Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks.
Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors.
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
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