Walnuts

The Australian Walnut Industry Association represents the biosecurity interests of walnut 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 2018–19, the walnut industry was valued at $44 million (LVP), with exports valued at $17.9 million. In-shell production of 12,800 tonnes was produced from over 4,000 hectares or 1.2 million trees.

About 45 per cent of Australia’s walnut production is exported with greatest demand for in-shell walnuts in China, Turkey and Italy.

The Australian walnut industry operates in most states of Australia. Major walnut production areas are on the east coast of Tasmania; the Goulburn Valley near Shepparton; the Murray Irrigation Area near Kerang and Swan Hill in Victoria; the Riverina near Griffith in New South Wales; and Manjimup in Western Australia. The industry is predicted to grow to 14,000 tonnes (4,300 hectares) by 2021 as current growers expand their orchards and new growers enter the industry.

Australia is free from the major pests and diseases that affect walnuts overseas, and the Australian Walnut Industry Association prioritises biosecurity to maintain this status.
Biosecurity is included in the Australian Walnut Industry Strategic Blueprint 2030 and it is part of the industry development officer’s role. The industry website maintains a biosecurity section to raise awareness of biosecurity among growers, and a representative attends PHA meetings and Australian Government Biosecurity Roundtables.

In 2020, the Australian Walnut Industry Association participated in responses to pest incursions, and funded projects to establish an Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPR) levy and an Owner Reimbursement Cost Framework for the walnut industry, available on the association and PHA websites. Consultation was undertaken on the EPPR levy and the industry is working through the requirements, with the aim of the levy being legislated in 2021.