The demand for Australian almonds strengthened during 2024-25 as trade agreements negotiated by the Australian Government with China and India accelerated interest from the two most populous countries in the world.

The annual statistical report of the Australian industry continues to chronicle the ongoing growth of demand and plantings within the industry. Following on from last year’ s modest increase, new plantings were restricted to several new projects while tree removals were formalised in other regions.

will become the most preferred.

Water availability within the major growing zones in Australia remains clouded with uncertainty after Government funded water buybacks started as a key recovery tool of the Murray Darling Basin plan. A reduced consumptive pool is likely to push prices of short term water purchases higher and apply further pressure to the costs of production for all irrigated crops that rely on lease water to cover their needs. How much and from what regions the water is recovered remains unclear and much is to play out in this sector.

While global demand remains strong, the rate of plantings in Australia has levelled off on the back of increasing costs of production, uncertainty around water costs and or deliverability and prolonged low almond prices.

Global almond prices started to recover during the latter half of the 2024-25 selling season( ie: March 1 to February 28) giving much needed respite to growers. The exchange rate between the Australian and US dollar also assisted with returns.

Based on information received, total industry plantings have expanded by 4 % to 66,092 hectares. Just like last year, data has revealed that there has been some tree removals and consolidation in some areas following high rainfall events of late 2022 and early 2023. A strong pollination and favourable conditions resulted in a record crop of 163,148 tonnes( KWE) being produced for 2024-25.

The nation’ s third year managing the NSW varroa mite incursion presented a range of challenges for apiarists and growers alike, but the importance of providing pollination services to almonds was not lost on many beekeepers battling with ongoing low honey prices.

The inevitable decline in beehive numbers and health has resulted in many within the almond industry turning to self fertile and self pollinating varieties when planning new developments and replanting regimes. It remains unclear which self fertile varieties

The longer term outlook for the Australian almond industry remains strong. Production is highly mechanised, average long term returns remain favourable( especially if a weak dollar prevails) and consumer demand remains strong.

The trade agreements that have placed a strong focus on demand have further enhanced the business case for almonds in recent times.

The ongoing consumer megatrends:

• Sustainability and health and wellness, continue to provide opportunities for almonds.

• Re-educating consumers on the sustainable food production of almonds in a changing climate, along with highlighting the many health benefits of regular consumption of almonds remains a key focus for the industry.

AUSTRALIAN ALMOND EXPORTS BY TYPE

Kernels

( tonnes)

Inshell

( tonnes)

Total

( tonnes)( KWE) up 29 % on previous year

6