Australian almond harvest set to exceed 2009 crop

MEDIA RELEASE 16 February 2010

Australian almond harvest set to exceed 2009 crop
Almond orchards across Australia are currently alive with activity as almond growers are harvesting this year's crop which is set to be a significant improvement on last year.

Crop forecast figures released by the Almond Board of Australia (ABA) reveal a 25 percent increase in the 2010 Australian harvest which is expected to produce 46,100 tonnes of almonds, up from 36,500 tonnes in 2009.

Almond Board of Australia (ABA) CEO, Julie Haslett said the overall outlook for the Australian almond industry is positive.

"The positive 2010 crop forecast figures show yet again that the Australian almond industry is on the rise – and it is only going to continue. Less than 20 per cent of all Australian almond plantings have reached full maturity so there will be a significant increase in almond production within the next decade," Haslett said.

Despite varied weather conditions and challenges throughout the season, almond growers across all key growing regions have reported a successful start to the harvest season.

Almond harvest occurs when the kernel is at an acceptable moisture level, ideally lower than six per cent. The orchard floors are cleared of large weeds and swept of all foreign material. Shakers are used to vibrate the tree trunk, so that the husks, shells and nuts inside fall to the orchard floor. After drying, they are swept into rows and picked up ready for storage.

Key almond growing regions include Sunraysia in Victoria, the Riverland and Adelaide in SA and the Riverina region in NSW.

"The newly harvested almonds will reach stores around the country by April," said Haslett.

The Almond Board of Australia (ABA) is a non-profit, membership-based organisation representing the interests of Australian almond growers, processors and marketers.

More information on the Almond Board of Australia is available at www.australianalmonds.com.au or by calling (08) 8582 2055.

Released for Almond Board of Australia by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Kim Larochelle or Gemma Crowley on (02) 9413 4244.

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