The Australian Walnut Industry Association was established in 1990. Currently the Association has over 100 financial members from five states, with over 800,000 walnut trees. Membership and in particular, the number of trees, has significantly increased in recent years, due to growing investment in the establishment of large scale commercial plantings.
THE AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION
- To facilitate the development of a strong and profitable walnut industry in Australia.
- To increase production and improve yield and quality
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
- Selection of walnut varieties suited to the Australian climate and soils and with proven productivity for industry development.
- Promotion of sound orchard management practices, including the adoption of QMS in walnut production in Australia.
- Development of efficient, cost-effective harvesting and processing technology.
- Facilitating observance of quality standards of produce to be marketed.
- Development of domestic and export markets.
The Association first developed a strategic plan for industry development in 1992. The current strategic plan is for an eight-year period, ending in 2010.
ACTIVITIES
The Association organises farm walks and seminars focussing on topics of current interest to the membership with international experts, researchers and industry leaders providing guidance.
Following the publication of the third edition of AWIA’s Guide to Establishing a Walnut Orchard in Australia in 1998, the first edition of the Association’s Quality Management Guide was published in 2001, to provide benchmarks and information for orchard development and management, harvesting, processing and marketing of walnuts. The second, revised edition of the Quality Management Guide is being prepared at present, also incorporating updated material of the Guide to Establishing a Walnut Orchard in Australia. (A second edition of this guide is about to be printed)
AWIA has been nominated by the International Society for Horticultural Science to stage the Sixth International Walnut Research Symposium, in Melbourne, from 25-27 February, 2009. For details, refer to the AWIA website, at www.walnut.net.au
Walnut production in Australia has been steadily increasing, but the local production still only satisfies less than 6% of domestic consumption. There is great opportunity for import replacement and export of good quality Australian walnuts.
The Association has been successful in its application to host the 6th International Walnut Symposium in Melbourne, over 3 days (25-27 February 2009) with both pre and post Symposium tours planned. This prestigious event is held every four years under the auspices of the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS), and will be the first to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. Please visit the AWIA website for further details.
ASSOCIATION CONTACT:
Association Secretary
E: awiasec@walnut.net.au
The Australian Walnut Industry Association website can be visited at www.walnut.net.au
