The Almond Board of Australia 2007-2012 Strategic Plan for the Australian Almond Industry encompasses elements of growing, processing and marketing of Australian almonds.  The plan outlines objectives which will guide future activities in marketing and R&D programs, in addition to other ABA activities.

2007-2012 Australian Almond
Industry Strategic Plan

The current almond industry strategic plan was developed in 2006-07 and is underpinned by an Industry Risk Management Review.  This plan has provided some guidance for levy and government investments over the past three to four years, but a more detailed plan dealing specifically with research and development priorities and strategies is now required.

A robust, well developed strategic plan is an essential foundation for an effective investment program of industry R&D levies and VC’s.  Over the next five years, HAL, in consultation with the IAC, is likely to invest about $10-15 Million (through a combination of almond levies, voluntary contributions and matched funding from the Australian Federal Government) on behalf of the Australian almond industry.  Therefore, it is critical that the investment continues to be well directed and a robust strategic plan will help to achieve this.

The ABA, in partnership with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), is currently in the process of developing an Almond Industry R&D Strategic Plan for 2011-2016.

The key objective of the project is to develop a plan which will provide clear strategic direction for the almond industry’s levy and voluntary contribution (VC) investment program managed through HAL.  The plan is expected to be completed by October 2010.

Australian Almonds
Strategic R&D  Plan 2011-2016

Australian Almond Strategic
R&D Plan 2011-2016

Recent years have seen significant expansion of Australian almonds. The industry is now planning for further production growth as young trees reach maturity.  Current production is expected to double to more than 80,000 tonnes by 2015.  It is also anticipated that further plantings will be undertaken over the next few years, generating additional production growth over the same period.

During this growth period, significant change has taken place both within the industry and in the external environment, with new challenges and opportunities emerging as a result.

This new Strategic R&D Plan for the Australian Almond Industry has been developed in this context, in order to guide future R&D investment over the period 2011-16.

There has been a long-term trend of increasing global consumption of almonds.  This has been driven by a number of factors including the health benefits and versatility of almonds.

Australia has a worldwide reputation as a supplier of quality almonds.  Few countries can efficiently produce the high quality almond that Australia provides.  This gives Australia a powerful competitive position as an international supplier.

Importantly, this plan encompasses actions intended to protect the industry against threats - both current and potential threats, including exotic pest or disease incursions and environmental threats such as climate change. 

This is an important document for our industry.  It will be the template by which the industry moves through a period of strong growth, without compromising the value or global reputation of Australian almonds.