INDUSTRY NEWS
Conference looks to the future
14
“ FUTURE ready almonds ” is the theme for the 2024 Australian Almond Conference in Adelaide from October 2-4 . The event will showcase the challenges and opportunities the industry faces on farm and beyond and feature some of the most astute almond minds in the world . There will subject matter for growers big and small . The conference returns to the Adelaide Convention Centre , with two presentation areas at each end of the trade exhibition area and hospitality hub . There is no glossing over the fact that many growers and suppliers have experienced tough times since our last conference in 2022 and this year ’ s program will tackle issues like pollination , water efficiency , disease and pest management , dieback , new varieties and autonomous machinery . Our conference will also use the Slido app to ensure all delegates can interact with presenters and get the answers they want to their specific problems . For those new to the industry , it is a one stop shop to increase knowledge and build a support network . Since our last conference , we have seen :
• Australian production continue to grow .
• Almond sales exceed annual production .
• After two tough years , global pricing has started to improve .
• Investment in new Australian orchards continues unabated .
• Our revised tonnage timeline push toward 200,000 tonnes by 2028 .
• India re-emerge as one of our biggest customers due to a new trade agreement .
• Orchards embrace autonomous machinery to cut costs .
• Renewed interest in self fertile varieties and higher density planting .
• Pollination costs skyrocket
• Sustainability credentials emerge as a fact of life in agriculture .
• Drying and effective on-farm storage a key focus . Despite all the challenges we have
In A Nutshell - Autumn 2024 Vol 25 Issue 1
The 2024 Australian Almond Conference will showcase the challenges and opportunities the industry faces on farm and beyond .
faced , Australian almonds continue emerge as a powerhouse industry that has attracted significant investment . The ABA , in conjunction with Hort Innovation , has almost 30 research and development programs dedicated to addressing key issues on farm , doing more with less and promoting the benefits of consuming a handful of almonds every day . The aim of the conference in 2024 will be bringing together as many stakeholders as possible by delivering a program that educates , facilitates , collaborates and celebrates issues throughout the supply chain . On the second day of the conference , a spouses tour to the McLaren Vale winery region is planned . For those in South Australia and New South Wales , the Wednesday- Friday fixturing of the conference leads straight into the October long weekend . The Gala Dinner at the Convention Centre will celebrate those who have contributed significantly to the industry . Further details about the conference can be found at www . almondboard . org . au / events .