Hazelnuts are a growing industry.
Photo by
Jayme Lowndes
Hazelnut industry pioneers, researchers, growers and wholesalers converged in Orange, NSW, late last year to officially launch the Australian Hazelnut Program of Research.
The five-year, $2 million program funded by AgriFutures Australia is working to optimise hazelnut production in Australia, develop quality standards and industry framework and drive growth through innovation and communication.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Hosted by industry stalwarts Basil and Jean Baldwin at their 5000-tree hazelnut farm at Forest Reefs, the launch brought together stakeholders from all facets of the industry who were briefed on the program’s themes, projects and trials.
Expected research outputs include a smartphone app to detect flower-to-nut conversion rates, an online system for hazelnut data collection, storage and analysis, drying guidelines for growers and processors, to develop and test new systems for hazelnut tree irrigation, nutrition and protecting sustainability from incursions of exotic pests and diseases.
The research team is led by Charles Sturt University Distinguished Professor Geoff Gurr, recognised as one of the country’s leading researchers in his field.
In collaboration with a team from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the University of Melbourne, the University of New England, Charles Sturt University, the University of NSW, Central Queensland University, Lincoln Agritech, ERM Australia, STR Consulting, Fourjay Farms and other industry representatives through Hazelnut Growers of Australia Inc, work on the program has already begun.
Prof Gurr said the research would unlock the potential of the Australian hazelnut industry by overcoming several barriers for growth.
“By providing research to assist the Australian hazelnut industry with improving yields, quality and profitability, the current grower base will be incentivised to expand,” he said.
“In addition, investors will realise the potential for Australian-grown hazelnuts to displace inferior, imported product and will be attracted to join the industry either as small-scale growers or large commercial enterprises.”
Hazelnut trees bear fruit about seven to 10 years after planting.
Photo by
Jayme Lowndes
As local supply steadily increases, demand for Australian hazelnuts is also expected to grow as consumers realise the superiority of fresh hazelnuts, compared to imported hazelnuts.
HGIA executive officer Trevor Ranford said Australian-grown hazelnuts were already highly valued by gourmet retailers, restaurants, confectioners, patisseries and gelato makers.
“Last year, Australia produced about 580 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts with a farm-gate value of $6.4 million,” Trevor said.
“The research being carried out through the AUSHAZ program will support sustainable growth of those numbers for the long-term prosperity of the Australian hazelnut industry.”
AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries senior manager Olivia Reynolds said the research program would address the most pressing issues facing current growers.
“The Australian Hazelnut Program of Research was guided by the Australian Hazelnut 2030 Strategic Blueprint in consultation with growers, industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia, processors, agronomists and researchers,” she said.
“AgriFutures is focused on investing in research that makes a significant impact on industry growth and we’re confident that the research team is well on the way to delivering that impact.”
As well as being sold as in-shell, cracked or roasted products, hazelnuts have a wide range of uses, including in value-add products like oil, flour and meal as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
They are high in fibre, folate and vitamin E and contain mostly mono-unsaturated fats.
Hazelnut trees grow well in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia and take about seven to 10 years from planting to bear fruit.
