INDUSTRY NEWS
ABOVE LEFT: Roger Duncan’ s presentation included yield data from variety trials. ABOVE RIGHT: A poster on display at the conference included details about the chemistry available in the US for phytophthora
if early assessments are consistent. Josette Lewis suggested that early indications from the European Union is that gene edited agricultural almond varieties should not be viewed as the same as Genetic Modified material. A range of other commodities are already trading successfully gene edited produce into the EU, so the early signs on market acceptance were positive. In talks with both nurseries following the session there is already work on identifying other non self fertile varieties that could be replicated through the same technology. While non-infectious bud failure has resulted in carmel losing favour in California, it remains a favoured variety for its yields and popularity with consumers. One would not be surprised if on removing the NIBF susceptibility in a gene edited carmel version could be a popular option.
Driving growth ABC CEO Clarice Turner and her team gave several presentations around driving innovation and new product development around the world. Even in India, the most mature almond market, the ABC is driving a ground-up approach to explore new ways almonds can be used in daily diets.
Objective Estimate cancelled It was also confirmed that the time-honoured Objective Estimate compiled by the USDA’ s NASS team would no longer be funded by the ABC.
The cancellation of this July number was a direct result of the uproar the 2025 figure caused in the market. Pricing plummeted after NASS posted a number that now looks like being over-stated by almost 10 %. Crop estimates were a keen topic of discussion during the conference. It remains one of the most pursued activities across the almond supply chain and while only estimates, large estimates have increasingly been weaponised to the detriment of grower returns despite strong consumer demand. The market fundamentals around pricing remain bullish for long term pricing and it was noted that the lost ground in pricing caused after the July Objective Estimate had been regained.
The market fundamentals around pricing remain bullish for long term pricing and it was noted that the lost ground in pricing caused after the July Objective Estimate had been regianed.
Just how the market operates without a pre-season estimate remains to be seen. It appears that there is no intention of delaying the Subjective Estimate( which traditionally comes out early May).
Research There were a wide range of topics covered by researchers in the
Managing phytophthora was a keen topic of research and new chemicals to control the condition looked exciting and are now being pursued by the ABA and Hort Innovation.
poster displays. Heightened interest in managing carpophilus beetle featured and in annual head-to-head talks between the ABC and ABA, it was agreed that there was potential for closer collaboration on areas of mutual interest. Since the conference Pest Management Manager Lauren Fann has visited Australia and spent time with ABA staff and AgVic researchers getting insights into the latest information on the beetle. Obtaining two seasons of research data in one calendar year makes sense for both parties and next steps are now being explored by the two boards. Managing phytophthora was a keen topic of research and new chemicals to control the condition looked exciting and are now being pursued by the ABA and Hort Innovation. Researcher Jim Adaskaveg presented some promising findings on Oxathiapiprolin: Orondis which could be a game changer. News of a new condition to almonds, red leaf blotch has received increasing attention among growers as the condition unchecked will result in trees defoliating in August. The timing of multiple fungicide applications was critical to control.
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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