A SURGE towards plant-based foods is helping counter the pressures from a global pandemic and rising input costs for the Australian almond industry.
It was one of the messages to emerge from the 2022 Australian Almond Conference where more than 550 people gathered for three days of networking, presentations and exhibitions in Adelaide recently.
The conference - which was the first since 2018 due to COVID-19 - was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in from October 10 to 12 and attracted people from all over Australia - and the world.
The world's leading almond agronomists David Doll and Professor Patrick Brown flew in from overseas to be among the keynote speakers to discuss how to do more with less on farm.
Updates on the various aspects of the industry's extensive research and development program including integrated pest and disease management, whole of orchard recycling, water efficiency and growing almonds on heavy soils were among the many issues covered.
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Almond Board of Australia chief executive officer Tim Jackson said in his State of the Industry address that despite the recent challenges of COVID-19, Varroa mite, increase of input costs, storms and challenging weather, almond growers remained in a strong position to feed the world.
Mr Jackson said the "plant-based food phenomenon" is helping drive demand along with the fact that as a growing proposition the non-perishable attributes of almonds and returns per megalitre used were attracting more investors to the industry.
"We are working toward zero waste as an industry and are well advanced," he said.
"To think that every piece of almond harvested is used.
"It changes the whole discussion around water use. With every kernel grown there is also a shell and a hull.
"Not that long ago they were considered waste. Today we are seeing innovative ways to utilise every part of the fruit grown, including energy, fertiliser and even furniture.
"It is an exciting time to be involved in an industry that is embracing its sustainability responsibilities.
"We aimed to provide delegates with as much information as possible but ensure we kept it as relevant as possible to growers of all sizes."
Mr Jackson said the Market Update by the industry's processors including OFI, Select Harvests, Nut Producers Australia and Almondco gave growers the latest insight into the challenges currently be addressed around the world.
The half year ABA Position Report unveiled at the conference, showed that China has continued to emerge as a key component of the export program making up more than 40 per cent of all exports.
Exports, overall, were back on track with last year's record levels but domestic consumption was down.
The Almond Board launched a new purpose-built portal to assist growers benchmark their on-farm practises.
Growers will be invited to sign up for the free service.
Mr Jackson said the portal would be an integral tool to help growers, processors and the industry in formalising what is going on a ground level and also meet consumer demands.
Mr Jackson said the support of sponsors, key stakeholders and service providers had ensured the conference broke all records.
Attendance was up 40pc on the previous best and trade exhibits up 25pc.
Doctor Michelle Wirthensohn was awarded a Contribution To Industry Award at the Gala Dinner, while John Bird was inducted as a Hall of Fame member posthumously.
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