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 per cent increase in the 2010 Australian harvest which is expected to produce 46,100 tonnes of almonds, up from 36,500 tonnes in 2009.
ABA chief executive Julie Haslett said the overall outlook for the industry was 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 20pc of all Australian almond plantings have reached full maturity so there will be a significant increase in almond production within the next decade,” Ms 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.
Key almond growing regions include Sunraysia in Victoria, the Riverland and Adelaide in SA and the Riverina region in NSW.
* Visit www.australianalmonds.com.au or contact (08) 8582 2055.
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