Vol 06 Issue 5 - December 2006

ALMOND BOARD OF AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER I N A UTSHELL

ALMOND BOARD of AUSTRA L I A

www.australianalmonds.com.au Be sure to visit our new look website: This site now has a strong consumer

ABN: 31 709 079 099 “Horticulture House” 7 Wilson Street PO Box 52 BERRI SA 5343 Phone: 08 8582 2055 Fax: 08 8582 3503

focus, reflecting our Australian almond marketing program and related promo- tional activities. Log-in access is available to almond levy payers (growers). Contact Jo Ireland at

www.australianalmonds.com.au admin@australianalmonds.com.au

the ABA office to arrange access. Click on the

“ INDUSTRY & GROWERS ” button to enter the ABA website section, specifically designed for almond growers and ABA members.

This publication has been partially funded by Horticulture Australia Limited

2006 AGM & Executive Committee Appointments

The ABA’s 2006 AGM was held on Friday, 3rd November at the Berri Resort Hotel during the Annual Almond Conference. During this meeting, four Executive Committee appointments were made: • Neale Bennett —Sunraysia representative • Randell McClure —Riverland representative • Bruce McDougall —Marketing representative • Brenton Woolston —Marketing representative The new Executive Committee comprises eight members as detailed in the table (see right). The new Executive Committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, December 12 and is scheduled to meet again on Friday, February 16, 2007.

Committee Member

Representative

Committee Appointment

John Bird

Marketing Representative

Chairman, HAL Representative, Marketing & Remuneration Committee ANIC Representative Audit & Marketing Committee Budwood & Marketing Committee

Brenton Woolston

Marketing Representative

Bruce McDougall

Marketing Representative

Jim Pierson

Adelaide — Grower Rep

Conference Committee

Randell McClure

Riverland — Grower Rep

Audit & Budwood Committee

Richard Smart

Riverland — Grower Rep

Audit & Budwood Committee

Neale Bennett

Sunraysia — Grower Rep

Conference & Remuneration Committee

Stephen Lynch

Sunraysia — Grower Rep

Vice-Chairman, Conference & Remuneration Committee

Almond Conference 2006 - Review

The ABA extends sincere appreciation to Conference Sponsors:

More than 160 delegates attended the recent Australian Almond Conference, held in the Riverland of South Australia comprising an extensive two-day program. Conference proceedings were opened by Hon Karlene Maywald MP on Thursday, November 2nd, where she eluded to further water restrictions facing SA irrigators, with 60% reductions confirmed later the same day. Research & Development was the primary focus of Day 1. The Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting including detailed descriptions of both the 2005/06 and 2006/07 programs. Special thanks to Riverland Almonds and CT Farms for host- ing Conference Tours. Later that night, dinner guests were entertained by an energetic performance by Tom O’Toole, founder of Beechworth Bakery.

Day 2 commenced with an early morning Breakfast Session. Keynote speaker Tim Hunt highlighted issues related to the increasing retailer use of private label brands. An Industry Issues panel session further addressed the issue of water availability, in addition to two other key issues currently facing the almond industry: pollination supply and MIS involvement in industry. The ABA extends sincere thanks to Sol Rabinowicz, Ian Zadow and Owen Russell who dedicated time to participate in this panel discussion session. An overview of the industry was followed by the ABA’s Annual General Meeting and an update on the current almond marketing program, including the “Nuts for Life” campaign.

GOLD SPONSOR Elders

SILVER SPONSORS Prime Super Horticulture Australia Limited BRONZE SPONSORS E.E. Muir & Son Flory Orchard-rite Ripon Manufacturing Company Nufarm

DINNER SPONSOR Netafim FUNCTION SPONSOR Jack Rabbit

TOUR SPONSOR Weiss McNair

BREAKFAST SPONSOR Rabobank Speaker presentations are now available for download from the ABA industry section of our website: www.australianalmonds.com.au. 2006 Australian Almond Plantings WINE SPONSOR Condo Wines

Consequently, total non-bearing plantings equate to nearly 55% of current plantings. Nonpareil is the predominant variety, comprising just over half of total plantings, followed by Carmel and Price varieties. More than 80% of 2006 plantings took place in the state of Victoria. This information is sourced from the 2006 Australian Almond Grower Survey, achiev- ing in excess of 95% survey response. The Almond Board of Australia wishes to extend appreciation to all participants in the Australian Almond Grower Survey. This process was partially funded by the Australian Government through HAL (Horticulture Australia Limited).

The 2006 Australian Almond Plantings Report was released in October 2006 and is now available from the ABA office or website: www.australianalmonds.com.au. Further information contact: Julie Haslett—Executive Officer Almond Board of Australia Phone: (08) 8582 2055 E: jhaslett@australianalmonds.com.au

Total Australian almond plantings are estimated at 47,000 acres or 19,020 hectares, being a 38% increase over 2005’s acreage of 34,000. Detailed survey data totals 46,670 acres comprising 21,012 bearing acres and non-bearing plantings of 25,658.

Almonds sign the EPPR Deed 26 October 2006

The Almond Board of Australia officially signed the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed at Plant Health Australia’s 6th Annual General Meeting in Canberra on 26th October 2006, together with Cherry Growers of Australia and Australian Dried Fruits Association. “I congratulate these associations on their decision to sign this watershed Deed,” sign the PHA Chairman, Mr Andrew Inglis AM. “As signatories, the industries will now have a direct say on whether responses to pest incursions are to be mounted, and if so, a clear role in decision making and funding these responses. Producers, whose industries have signed the Deed, and who suffer losses as part of an approved response, will be eligible for reimbursement of certain direct costs, This is an important protection and one not guaranteed for non-signatories. It should also eliminate growers’ fears about being disadvantaged and give them the confidence to report suspicious pests and diseases.” The Deed is the centerpiece for the progres- sive partnership arrangements between governments and the plant industries in Australia, which are envied around the world. The ABA has joined 17 other plant industries, all state and territory governments and the Australian Government in becoming parties to the Deed. “With the ever present risk of emerging plant pest incursions, and the potential for an incursion to adversely affect the economic viability of Australia’s plant industries, it is essential that we develop measures that will minimize risk to these industries, which are collectively worth around $18 billion each year”, said Mr Inglis.

Pictured right:

Andrew Inglis PHA Chairman and John Bird ABA Chairman

REMINDER Have you paid your 2006/07 MEMBERSHIP? Full Member $110 (includes free Nutgrower subscription) Associate Member $66 Nutgrower Subscription $66 Application forms are available from our website and by contacting our office. For further information contact: Jo Ireland Admin/Finance Manager

“PHA is continuing to work with industries that are yet to become signatories to reinforce the importance of being a part of this Deed,” said Mr Inglis. “It remains as important as ever that all plant producers in Australia have access to the Deed’s many benefits.” The Deed provides pre-agreed funding mechanisms and cost sharing proportions to be borne by affected government and industry parties depending on which emergency pest is involved. Once an emergency plant pest is reported, and a response determined to be feasible, a response plan will be prepared and activated by key decision making committees. The peak decision making body for a response is the National Management Group comprised of the Australian Government Department of Agricul- ture, Fisheries and Forestry (Chair), Affected State and Territory Government Parties, each of the Affected Industry Parties and PHA (non-voting). PLANT PLAN, developed by PHA, provides nationally consistent procedures that guide development of the response plan and conduct of the response.

Ph : 8582 2055 Fax : 8582 3503 Email : jireland@australianalmonds.com.au

Almond Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Publication of the Almond Board of Australia ABN: 31 709 079 099 Horticulture House 7 Wilson Street PO Box 52 Berri SA 5343

3 tsp sambal oelek

• • • • • • • • •

2 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass

4 tbsp lime juice 2tsp palm sugar

2tbsp roughly chopped coriander 1/2 cup chopped spring onions

P: (08) 8582 2055 F: (08) 8582 3503 E: admin@australianalmonds.com.au W: www.australianalmonds.com.au

4 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp kepcap manis 2 tsp minced garlic

T-Shirts for Sale

Method In a hot wok, heat 3 tbsp sesame oil, add sugar, lemongrass, lime juice, kecap manis, garlic and sambal oelek. Heat to infuse the flavours. Add almonds, cook for 3 minutes on a medium heat. Add chicken and cook a further 2 minutes on high heat. Add last tbsp of sesame oil, beans, carrots, broccoli, red, yellow and green peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Add freshly chopped spring onions and coriander, mix through. Serve at once with steamed rice. Serves 4

Ingredients

1/ 3 cup whole almonds

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2 skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small bite sized pieces 1 large carrot, sliced julienne style 1 large red pepper, sliced julienne style

1 large green pepper, sliced julienne style 330g green beans, trimmed and cut in half

T-shirts - $40 each Size range: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 To place orders, contact Jo Ireland: Phone: (08) 8582 2055 Email: jireland@australianalmonds.com.au

•

1/2 bunch Chinese broccoli, chopped with stalks removed

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Wishing you

From the staff of the Almond Board of Australia

Horticulture Code of Conduct – Fact Sheet 8 December 2006

The NFF and HAC Steering Committee have worked closely with Government over the past two years to develop a workable and effective Code of Conduct for Horticulture. The group, made up of growers and grower representatives, believe that, with some critical improvements, this Code is a very simple and cost effective code. A summary of key points of the draft Regulations are set out below. Purpose of the Code The draft Code states that the purpose of this code is to : regulate trade in horticultural produce between growers and traders to ensure transparency and clarity of transactions; and provide a fair and equitable dispute resolution procedure for disputes arising un- der this code or a Horticulture Produce Agreement. Scope The code covers all transactions of unprocessed edible horticultural produce (fruit, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms and other fungi, herbs and other edible plants), except where it is intended for export, retail sale or under a statutory po- tato marketing scheme. Clear definitions of Merchant and Agent The code defines each trading method as: Agent A person who sells produce on behalf of a grower to a person for a com- mission or fee; The Agent must act in the best interests of the grower; Ownership of the produce does not change hands; an Agent must report to the grower at agreed intervals and, on request, provide details of sale (excluding buyer’s name and details). Merchant A person who purchases horticultural produce from a grower for the pur- pose of resale; Price can only be the fixed cost and agreed to prior, or immediately upon delivery, of the produce; Ownership of the produce passes on delivery; The merchant must provide a statement specifying quality, quantity, price agreed, date and delivery time. Published Terms of Trade Critically, under the draft Code, traders must publish terms of trade and provide a copy to growers on request. These should include: trading method (agent or merchant); opening hours; any commissions payable (if acting as agent); delivery; quality; payment terms; insurance; Each transaction must have a written Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA) between the parties. This can be as simple as a single page, signed by both par- ties, and be for any transactions from a single consignment to a seasonal agree- ment. If an agreement is made for more than 90 days, a cooling off period applies; and it is advised, but not compulsory, that growers seek legal advice on any such Agreement for their own protection. An HPA would include: trading relationship for that agreement; delivery requirements; price agreed (if merchant). dealing with bad debts; any additional charges. Horticulture Produce Agreements

A trader cannot act as an agent and a merchant in a single agreement. In either arrangement, but particularly in an agent relationship, the trader must take all reasonable care with the produce under their care. What growers wanted Growers asked us to fight: to ensure contractual clarity and transparency in the sale of produce; and for minimum terms of trade that clearly define the nature of produce sales transactions (agency or merchant), and distinguishes obligations and re- sponsibilities associated with each transaction type. Although the scope of the Code does not cover retailers and exporters, we have argued, and will continue to argue, for the scope to include “first transaction from the grower”. Dispute resolution process The draft code specifies two main mechanisms for dealing with disputes: Horticulture Produce Assessors Mediation Advisor. A Horticulture Produce Assessor can be called upon to assess quality and contractual issues during the mediation. They are suitably qualified to investigate and report on matters arising under a Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA) - eg quality of rejected produce and disputes regarding payment. Each party must comply with all reasonable requests for access, by the Asses- sor, to the disputed produce and any transaction records relating to the HPA. A Mediation Advisor is called when the two parties are not able to resolve the dispute. The dispute resolution process follows normal procedures: A complaint to the other party is lodged in writing. The parties attempt to resolve the dispute (a Horticulture Produce Assessor may be called upon at this stage for an independent assessment). If not resolved, a request goes to the Mediation Advisor to appoint a media- tor. Where to from here? The draft Code is expected to be presented to Parliament early in 2007. Parliament must then have 15 sitting days in which to review the Regulations. There will be a national awareness/education campaign to ensure both growers and traders are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the new arrange- ments. Conclusion This Code is still in the draft stages and we will continue to negotiate with govern- ment, to get the best deal possible for growers. There has been a significant amount of ‘misinformation’/scaremongering circu- lated recently about the provisions of the draft Code, with suggestions that it will impose significant costs or paperwork on growers. We hope this Fact Sheet will assist to clarify matters; and urge all growers to contact their Peak Industry Body/grower representative organisation if they have any questions or are still unclear about the facts. Key Steering Committee Contact Details: National Farmers Federation Tel: (02) 6273 3855 Horticulture Australia Council Tel: (02) 6273 9600 Victorian Farmers Federation Tel: (03) 9207 5555 New South Wales Farmers Ass Tel: (02) 8251 1885 Growcom Tel: (07) 3620 3844 It is compulsory for both parties to attend mediation. Costs are shared equally between the two parties.