E-News Publications

'Almon Bites' is the almond industry's monthly industry e-newsletter provides updates on a wide range of topics including almond R&D projects, marketing initiatives and industry relevant issues.

A range of other e-news publications service other audiences including (click to be directed to each newsletter):
Exchange - Trade E-News
Enjoy! - Consumer E-News
The Healthy Handful - Health E-News

Simulation exercise highlights importance of Biosecurity for bee pests

Media Release – June 15, 2010
If the world’s most devastating honeybee pest reaches Australia’s shores, are we ready to deal with it?

A report is now available, outlining the results of the exercise held to test the likely impact of an incursion of Varroa mite, which has had a massive impact on bee populations around the globe.

Australia is currently the only major honey producing country to be free of the microscopic pest, but pollination and horticultural industries believe it’s a matter of when, not if, it arrives here. In the past three years Varroa mite has reached New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, almost wiping out their wild bee populations.

Rodney Turner, General Manager Programs with Plant Health Australia, was lead author of the report Pollination Simulation: A report on two scenario driven workshops.
The report Pollination Simulation: A report on two scenario driven workshops is now available on the pollination page of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation website, at www.rirdc.gov.au

To read the full release please click here

Fresh Forum coming to Adelaide

Save the Date! Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Please mark Tuesday 21 September in your diary as the date for the PMA Fresh Forum in Adelaide. Full details will be provided over the coming weeks.

The one-day conference will bring leading and incisive speakers to you on consumer trends, new market opportunities and managing the complexities of the supply chain. Not only will it be a day full of interesting facts, insights and take-home messages but also a great opportunity to network.

Further details and information on this Fresh Forum and on PMA Australia-New Zealand please visit www.pma-anz.com

Australian Farmer of the Year Awards

Celebrating the Professional Australian Farmer
Nominate for one of the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards and showcase your achievements!
The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are about inspiring the next generation to follow a career in farming and raising the profile of the important role farmers’ play in Australian agriculture. Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are open to all Australian farmers.
You may nominate for multiple Award categories however, nominations are limited to one per person per Award category. Before submitting your nomination, read the Guidelines for nominations and follow all instructions carefully.
Nominations close Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

Farmer of the Year — Kondinin Group /ABC Rural

Young Farmer of the Year — Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Farm Industry Leader of the Year — Rabobank
Future-focused Farmer of the Year — Agrimaster
Biosecurity Farmer of the Year — Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia
Diversification Farmer of the Year — Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Grain Grower of the Year — CBH Group
Wool Producer of the Year — Landmark

For more information click here

Mallee Almond Blossom Festival

Sunday 15 Aug 2010

The Mallee Almond Blossom Festival is an annual event that showcases the products, people and art of the Mallee District.

The Festival coincides with the blooming of the almond trees at the beginning of spring. It is centred on the Kyndalyn Park almond orchard just outside Robinvale on the Murray Valley Highway.

There are loads of activities for children and adults alike, including fair rides as well as displays from local organisations like the Rural Life Museum. Arts, craft, food, wine and music all provide a great atmosphere.

It's your chance to see the blossoms of Australia's largest almond orchards up close.

Visit the website here.

Young Horticulturalist of the Year

Nominations are now open for the Australian Institute of Horticulture's Young Horticulturalist of the Year award.

The award was created to both inspire and acknowledge the talents of young horticulturists. The winner will receive a grant of $10000, awarded to the entrant who has developed the most exciting, innovative or sustainably oriented project (potential or current).

Entries close on 31st August and full details are available on Australian Institute of Horticulture's website www.aih.org.au