Ripe for a change
After 95 years making a name for themselves growing asparagus , the Mildura-based Minter family is embarking on a new chapter of horticulture - one with almonds taking centre stage .
THERE are some who have bemoaned the expansion of the almond industry across the southern Murray Darling Basin . The latest edition of Sunrise mapping has confirmed that almonds are now the most prevalent permanent planted crop downstream of the River Murray ’ s Barmah choke . This high-value newcomer to the horticultural landscape has attracted investors at a rapid rate over the past 20 years . During that time the Australian almond crop size has grown from 13,000 tonnes to more than 130,000 this season . There are many reasons why almond plantings have increased so quickly but perhaps the plight of one of Mildura ’ s most enduring family-owned operations , Minter Magic , provides a perspective that helps those beyond the farm gate better understand why almonds are so popular . The Minter family has grown asparagus for 95 years . For the past three years Darren Minter agonised over keeping the family brand alive . In short , Minter Magic wasn ’ t making a return that could justify the work involved . In the end he made a decision he concedes he should have made three years ago . The cost and availability of running his nationally-acclaimed business had become barely a break even business .
Darren penned the following farewell note to friends and colleagues recently :
" This is a sad day in the Minter family . On the 23rd of March 2020 my father left this world . On the 23rd of March 2022 we had our final asparagus packing day after 95 years of the Minter family in Mildura , growing and packing asparagus . We have marketed to places all around Australia and around the world . We started exporting in 1973 -74 to England . The first year was great , second year was a disaster , but in 1976 we exported to Japan where we have been in that market ever since . We also have exported to Singapore , Malaysia , Hong Kong , Arab Emirates , Canada , Korea and many other countries . We employed up to 150 people in the peak of the season , having lots of enjoyable times . The best part for me in the early days was having Australians coming looking for work , down on their luck financially , and giving them a boost up , getting them back on track and moving to full time work . Then that era left and the backpackers arrived bringing new life to the shed and fields with big parties and catching with them up the street . We will miss them all and the people in the industry .
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industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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