Australia’s tree nut production capacity is set to be boosted under a new A$5m round of federal funding.
Having secured the money through a rural research and development programme grant, Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) intends to facilitate a four-year programme that will result in higher density, shorter nut trees, capable of producing high quality yields.
“Hort Innovation is excited to be successful in obtaining this A$5m grant,” said Hort Innovation chief executive John Lloyd. “It’s a big boost for the Australian nut growers who will benefit from the time and cost efficiencies that arise through this project, and increased sustainability for the industry as a whole.”
The project is being supported by a further A$9.8m in funding from Hort Innovation, the Almond Board of Australia and the South Australian, Victoria and New South Wales governments.
Lloyd said Hort Innovation would work closely with industry on the project’s scope, which is expected to involve advanced water and nutrient management techniques, applied through trials on almond and walnut crops.
“There will be positive flow-on effects to local nut consumers and the potential for an increased Australian nut presence in world trade export markets,” he explained.
