The Almond Board of Australia’ s( ABA) key focus is ensuring the long-term sustainability of almond growers and the wider industry. The peak industry body acts as a united voice that communicates and promotes the interests of its members and industry stakeholders. The organisation values leadership, accountability, safety, innovation, the planet and teamwork. The ABA is governed by a board that consists of eight grower-elected directors, four marketer directors and an independent chair. The board’ s vision is to be Australia’ s leading and most respected horticultural peak industry body.

The ABA’ s 2022-25 Strategic Plan has identified five key themes, and these determine the activities and goals for ABA staff:

The ABA has nine sub-committees that identify projects that have the potential to benefit the industry. These committees are chaired by ABA board members, which features ABA staff, industry members, researchers, suppliers and other specialists are also involved:

• Plant Improvement

• Sustainability

• Water

• Production

• Processing

• Pollination

• Chemical

• Market Development

• Almond Centre of Excellence

The ABA board prioritises these concepts before they are delivered to a Strategic Investment Advisory Panel administered by Hort Innovation. Grower levies help fund 28 projects that are managed by the research and development corporation for Australian horticulture, Hort Innovation. These projects receive government co-funding to maximise outcomes.

The ABA runs a 60-hectare experimental and demonstration orchard in Loxton. The Almond Centre of Excellence( ACE) strives to push boundaries and identify ways the almond production system can be enhanced. It also showcases best practices and technology for the industry.

There are more than 9,000 different almond tree varieties planted at ACE, the majority are part of the Australian almond variety evaluation program, which is focused on breeding a tree that is self-fertile, has a sealed shell, and produces a kernel that has a similar appearance and taste to nonpareil.

A leadership program was introduced in 2025 to ensure the almond industry is upskilling people who are passionate about the industry and want to see it thrive in the future. Great leaders are needed throughout the supply chain to inspire others, be motivated to address challenges and seize opportunities.

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