Vol 07 Issue 2 - May 2007

I N A N N UTSHELL

ALMOND BOARD OF AUSTRALIA

May 2007

Honeybee Industry Linkages Workshop

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

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

This publication has been partially funded by Horticulture Australia Limited

Pictured above: Doug Somerville (NSW DPI), Patrick Logue (Macadamia IDO) and Julie Haslett (ABA CEO). Photo courtesy of Max Tolson, Timbercorp

In this Issue...

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Honeybee Workshop

The almond industry was well represented at a recent Canberra workshop address- ing future R&D and educa- tion and training require- ments for the honeybee in- dustry. More than 70 workshop delegates represented a broad industry base, includ- ing the honeybee industry, horticulture, pasture seeds and grain industries, R&D service providers, govern- ment representatives, and university research centres. The importance of pollina- tion within Australian agri- culture was highlighted, as well as consideration of the issues threatening sustain- ability of the industry.

Areas where pollination services could be improved in order to increase the value of pollination to the agricultural industry were identified. Upon conclusion of the two day workshop, recommenda- tions were presented to both the Rural Industries Re- search & Development Cor- poration (RIRDC) and DAFF. Key recommendations: • Establish a new entity to support development of the honeybee industry and enable coordinated re- search and development; • Increase access to public land/floral resources;

• Develop the business skills of the honeybee industry; • Establish public and politi- cal support for the honey- bee industry and pollina- tion services; • Determine research and development priorities; • Increase communication and extension between pollination dependent in- dustries; • Increase the viability of the honeybee industry. Since this workshop, the ABA has provided sup- port for a funding appli- cation , to enable further progression of key work- shop outcomes through DAFF’s Industry Partner- ships Programme.

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Staff Appointments

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Marketing Update

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Honeybee Submission

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Drought Information

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Calendar of Events

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R&D Benefits All

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Almond Industry Conference

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Horticulture Industry Strategic Plan

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GrowSmart Careers in Science

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SA Apiarists Conference

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Feature Recipe

New Appointments

INDUSTRY LIAISON MANAGER

TECHNICAL OFFICER

Brett Rosenzweig has recently been appointed by the ABA in the full-time role of Technical Officer, being responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the CT Farms trial.

The ABA is pleased to announce the ap- pointment of Ben Brown in the role of Almond Industry Liaison Manager. Ben brings a wealth of experience to this

role, including seven years with Yandilla Park holding posi- tions of Soil Agronomist, Irrigation Agronomist and Riverland Irrigation Agronomy Manager. For the past two years Ben has been employed as Assistant Manager and Horticultural Manager of Amaroo Orchards, a privately owned Riverland horticultural property planted to almonds, citrus and carrots. His qualifications include an Honours Degree in Environmental Management with the University of Adelaide. Ben will be responsible for liaising with growers to ensure industry issues are identified and addressed, and to develop, deliver and communicate strategic outcomes for the industry by facilitating the strategic planning R&D process. He will also have management responsibility for the Industry bud- wood site, located in Monash. We are delighted to have welcome Ben on board. Following an initial settling in period, Ben intends to conduct visits with almond growers across all regions.

Previously working with the ABA on a casual basis, we are extremely pleased to welcome Brett as a full-time member of our team. Brett’s qualifications include a Degree in Agricultural Sci- ence, majoring in Horticulture. Brett’s previous employment comprises nine years with Yandilla Park in the roles of Assistant Irrigation Agronomist, Neutron Probe Manager and Irrigation Manager. Brett also owns a winegrape property located in the River- land.

We look forward to providing details of additional staff appointments in the near future.

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Marketing Update

Our key consumer message: “A handful of almonds everyday” has recently been promoted through a range of advertisements, advertorials and editorials...

“Raising the profile of eating almonds everyday is the primary objective of our consumer communications”

ADVERTISING: Bianca Chatfield

Recently launched advertising that depicts Bianca Chatfield, Australian Netballer links the enjoyment of eating almonds with good health and fitness. Supplemented by an easy to follow, good tasting recipe, these ads have appeared in Good Taste and Heart Healthy Living magazines. Key focus of our advertising from April to June is ‘ time to try: New Season Almonds’. Our ‘new season’ is an ideal time for con- sumers to ‘try’ and enjoy premium quality Australian Almonds. This advertising campaign appeared in Australian Good Taste, Australian Table, Superfood Ideas and Vogue Entertaining magazines. Also featuring in the food supplement of the Herald Sun (Melbourne), Daily Telegraph (Sydney) and the Courier Mail (Brisbane). Advertorial features are a highly effective mode of communication. The ABA has developed a ‘brekkie almond’ advertorial that appeared in the March edition of the Australian Good Taste magazine. Based around the genuine appetite appeal of eating almonds, the advertorial feature highlights the key health benefits of eating a handful of almonds every day. While many Australians like eating almonds from time to time, very few understand that they should be eating a handful every day. ADVERTISING: New Season Almonds ADVERTORIAL: Brekkie Almonds

EDITORIAL: Catherine Saxelby, one of Australia’s leading nutritionists, incorporated almonds in a two page feature on ‘Top 10 Superfoods’ in the December edition of Australian Table magazine, followed up by a full page feature on almonds in the May edition. Australian Table positively identified almonds as one of the healthy ways to beat the 3pm “munchies”. Together with Nuts for Life, our PR pro- gram has provided great new recipe ideas using almonds. Media monitoring has indicated the high level of exposure almonds are currently receiving from food writers across a wide range of magazines, such as the latest issue of Delicious magazine which highlights the great taste of almonds.

Our Australian Almond PR program aims to build on this interest by raising the awareness of almonds and the many health benefits of eating a handful of almonds everyday.

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Please find below a list of useful websites and phone numbers for drought assistance and water conservation measures: National Horticulture Australia www.horticulture.com.au/drought Centrelink Drought Assistance Helpline 13 23 16 Centrelink Farm Help 1800 050 585 Primary Producers Assistance www.farmbis.gov.au Federal Department of Agriculture www.daff.gov.au Farm Help www.daff.gov.au/farmhelp EC declared area support www.centrelink.gov.au Drought Force Hotline 1800 004 226 Department of Water Land & Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/rivercond/drought.html Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry www.daff.gov.au/droughtassist South Australia SA Rural Financial Counselling Service www.rfcssa.org.au 1800 836 211 SA Department of Primary Industries www.pir.sa.gov.au PIRSA Drought Assistance www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp 180 20 20 SA Water Restrictions Hotline 1800 130 952 SA Murray Darling Basin National Resources Management Board Drought Assistance Where can I get information?

Inquiry into the Future Development of the Australian Honey Bee Industry The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has commenced an inquiry into the future development of the Australian Honey Bee Industry. This inquiry will examine the honey bee industry in terms of: 1. Its current and future prospects 2. Its role in agriculture and forestry 3. Biosecurity issues 4. Trade issues 5. The impact of land management and bushfires 6. The research and development needs of the industry 7. Existing industry and Government work that has been undertaken for the honey bee industry The Almond Board of Australia is preparing a submission on behalf of the Australian Almond Industry. To provide input to the ABA’s submission please contact Julie Haslett at the ABA office prior to Friday, June 1st, 2007. For further information or advice on making a submission, please contact the committee secretariat on (02) 62477 4500 or website: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/documnts/howsub.htm

Advertising

08 8582 4477 (Riverland) www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au Victoria Vic Department of Primary Industries www.dpi.vic.gov.au Rural Financial Counselling www.vtarcg.org.au Sunraysia Rural Counselling service www.sunrcs.com.au Victorian Farmers Federation Drought Coordinator www.drought.org.au/main/ Rural Finance Corporation www.ruralfinance.com.au/ 03 5448 2600 DPI Drought Coordinator 03 5036 4804 or 0407 359 982

“In A Nutshell” is distributed to over 400 members and almond industry contacts each quarter. An opportunity to advertise your business or products in this newsletter is now available. Please contact Jo Ireland at the ABA office for advertising rates and size information:

Your ad goes

here...

Almond Board of Australia PO Box 52, BERRI SA 5343 P: +61 08 8582 2055 F: +61 08 8582 3503 jireland@australianalmonds.com.au

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Drought assistance hits all-time high

More than $2 million a day is being provided by the Federal Government in drought assistance payments – doubling the amount that was being spent just six months ago. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and For- estry, Peter McGauran, said the significant increase in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) payments followed the Government’s announcement in October 2006 extending assistance to all eligible farmers in EC areas, regardless of what they produce. “Following the October announcement, the Government’s spending on EC income support and interest rate subsidies has jumped from around $7 million a week, to $17 million a week,” Mr McGauran said.

“If the strong forecasts from meteorological experts prove to be correct, there should soon be good autumn rains, with decent winter rain to follow. This would allow many farmers to enter the drought recovery phase. “The Government will continue to provide support to farmers through a range of assistance measures, primarily EC, for the duration of the drought. “I urge farmers and small businesses in the 67 areas currently EC-declared not to self-assess, but to contact the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 to determine their eligibility for drought assistance as soon as possible,” Mr McGauran concluded.

“We have constantly had our drought assistance measures under review, and the big rise in the amount being provided reflects the Government’s efforts to make it as accessible and effective as possible.” Mr McGauran said that in October last year, 9,700 farming families were receiving EC income support. The most recent data revealed that figure had jumped to 17,500 families receiving assistance – an increase of 80 per cent. “The figures are a stark reminder of the intensity of the prolonged drought, and its severe impact on rural and regional Australia. Our farmers, whose reputation for resilience is unparalleled, continue to withstand record high temperatures, and record low rainfall.

Almond Drought Workshop

The Almond Board of Australia will be holding a drought workshop:

Thursday, 14th June, 2007 At the Renmark Club Murray Avenue, Renmark Commencing at 11am Please RSVP by June 7, 2007 to Rachel Swanson at the ABA office: 7 Wilson Street PO Box 52 BERRI SA 5343 Phone: 08 8582 2055 Fax: 08 8582 3503 E-mail: admin@australianalmonds.com.au

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Calendar of Events

R&D for Farmers Benefits All

May 2007 29th May PHA Biosecurity Awareness Workshop Venue: SARDI, Waite, Urrbrae www.planthealthaustralia.com.au 29th—30th May HAL Forum Venue: Sydney www.horticulture.com.au June 2007 1st-3rd June Good Food & Wine Show Venue: Melbourne Exhibition Centre www.goodfoodshow.com.au 14th June 6pm Almond Drought Workshop Venue: Renmark Club Contact ABA for RSVP and enquiries 14th June 6:30pm RAG Testimonial Dinner for Chris Bennett Venue: Renmark Golf & Country Club RSVP: by June 7, 2007 15th—17th June Good Food & Wine Show Venue: Sydney Exhibition Centre www.goodfoodshow.com.au 19th June Nuts for Life Food Media Club Venue: ANZ Theatre, Taronga Zoo www.nutsforlife.com.au August 2007 13th August ABA Marketing Committee Meeting Venue: Rydges South Park, Adelaide 14th August ABA Executive Committee Meeting Venue: Rydges South Park, Adelaide September 2007 24th—27th September Fine Food Exhibition Venue: Sydney Exhibition Centre www.finefoodaustralia.com.au October 2007 13th-17th October Anuga Food Fair Venue: Cologne, Germany www.anuga.com November 2007 1st-2nd November Annual Almond Conference Venue: Mildura Grand Hotel, Mildura www.australianalmonds.com.au

Terry Enright: Australian Financial Review April 24, 2007

We believe this is the case with all 15 RDCs. Economic researchers ACIL Tasman reviewed cost-benefit analysis of 134 RDC projects undertaken between 2000 and 2007 and found that while the RDCs had invested about $1 billion in these projects, this had generated net benefits of $5.5 billion to industry and at least $3 billion in wider social benefits. These benefits include i m p r o v e d w a t e r - u s e efficiency, food safety, safer use of pesticides, advances in environmental and natural resource management and animal welfare. The incentive to invest in agricultural R&D is the ability of producers to capture sufficient benefits to justify the investment. Compulsory levies are successful in reducing free riders – those who may benefit from research but don’t contribute to the cost. But the ability of commodity producers to capture suffi- cient benefits from R&D investments is a matter of considerable debate and is by no means as certain a the PC’s report appears to assume. The RDC model was set up in 1989 to ensure sufficient investment by industry in agriculture, a sector where the family farm appears to be still the most efficient economic unit of production. Ensuring there is enough rural R&D investment has been a big factor in our producers achieving among the highest productivity growth in the world for many years. However, Australian farmers are overwhelmingly small businesses and they simply do not have the capacity to invest in R&D that delivers broad social benefits without public contributions. Terry Enright chairs the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations’ Chairs

Australian consumers enjoy a range of high-quality, safe, domestically produced food and fibres. These benefits are largely gained from the constant innovation and productivity gains of our farmers, underpinned by research and development funded by the producers themselves and the federal government. Last month’s Productivity Commission report into science and innovation questioned the level of government funding for this R&D. However, any move to reduce government contribu- tions will have wide-reaching implications for rural industry, and the broader community. The co-investment model of rural R&D through rural research and development corporations (RDCs) is based on industry levies and govern- ment funding, last year worth about $460 million, split evenly between government and agribusiness. There are 15 RDCs responsible for investing the industry and government contributions in almost every area of agricul- ture in Australia. It is a good system that works well. If fact, the PC’s report says there are grounds for significant public funding for rural R&D where there are spillover benefits to the community. It also says the funding formula for rural RDCs provides public contribution rates per dollar of industry R&D that are between three and 10 times that for eligible R&D in the manufacturing, mining and services sectors. For this to be supportable, it says, there should be commensurately higher public benefit, or spillover rates that those produced by other industries from R&D public funding.

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Horticulture Industry Strategic Plan (HISP)

The Australian government and industry are jointly funding the development of a strategic vision for the horticulture industry in Australia. “The horticulture industry has a $7 billion value at farm gate and is one of our largest agricultural industries, “ Mr McGauran said. “ It is also vitally important to rural economies with almost one in three agriculture employees working in horticulture.” “For the first time we are developing an industry plan for the whole of the horticulture industry that takes a realistic and detailed look at what is happening and adopts a cohesive approach to adding value in the future,” Mr McGauran said. “The new plan will provide guidance for the whole industry and involves all of the major players throughout the supply chain, from growing produce through to buyers and consumers.” Mr McGauran added that this plan is not a short-term response to recent difficul- ties facing the industry through drought, frosts, cyclones and loss of market access. “This is a vitally important strategic initiative as the industry is facing both substantial growth in production in some sectors and increased competi- tion from low cost labour countries. “The Australian industry has to plan to meet and overcome future challenges, both domestic and international.”

“We expect to see an even more professional and internationally competitive industry emerge, with the plan providing a strong foundation for the linked state and individual com- modity plans that will invest industry level funds in a commercial manner in areas that generate the greatest returns.” Minister McGauran congratulated the horticulture industry for its initiative and advised that the government has approved $900,000 which is to be matched by industry contributions. “I understand that the bulk of the industry funds have already been pledged with Coles, Woolworths and other supermarkets, wholesalers, cen- tral markets, managed investment schemes, grower levies and HAL corporate all contributing. “I have great confidence in HAL’s ability to manage this project to a successful conclusion. Previous pro- jects that HAL has managed on behalf of the Government in environmental and natural resource management have become a benchmark for others to follow. “In addition, Managing Director John Webster has an admirable record of success in delivering tangible benefits through this type of planning activity in other industries. His experience will be invaluable as the horticulture industry takes on this challenge,” Minister McGauran added.

John Webster, Horticulture Australia’s Managing Director said that detailed work on the plan is about to commence. “I expect that the plan will influence the industry over the next decades in fundamental ways by shaping factors that drive competition and competi- tiveness.” Mr Webster said. Areas for attention of the plan are: • preparedness for the increase in export focus, with market access and export marketing pivotal; • increased concentration upon identifying and meeting consumer needs at every level in the industry with complementary marketing activities; • the development of measures to raise quality, consistency and reliability throughout the industry; • arrangements between differing elements of the supply chain, encouraging greater cohesion in areas where break downs are reducing value; • raising the efficiency and sustain- ability of participants throughout the industry; • the investment and direction of R&D and marketing resources. “Horticulture is an amazingly proactive and innovative industry”, Mr Webster added “The industry will embrace the opportunities and challenges that are identified from this plan.

Contributors:

The Minister has recently appointed a 26 person Industry Leadership Group to steer the development of the project to develop the HISP. Julie Haslett, ABA CEO has been invited to participate as a member of this group.

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• GrowSmart was initiated to address the severe shortage of qualified science graduates required to fill science career opportunities in the horticulture industry, positions such as: • Consultancy services in agronomy, fertigation, irrigation and pest & disease management; • Managers of orchards, vineyards and investment properties • Sales and marketing personnel; • Research scientists in research organisations: PIRSA, SARDI, Universities and CSIRO; • Food scientists for quality control, research, health & safety; and • Technology graduates in production and packaging lines. GrowSmart has been designed to help overcome these shortages by working together with schools, universities and the horticulture industry. GrowSmart aims to interest students in science, encouraging science studies at University and consideration of a career in the horticulture industry. GrowSmart targets science teachers and secondary students with an ability and enthusiasm for science, through a range of activities: • Educating students about cutting edge research currently taking place and the importance of science to horticulture industry; • Professional development for teachers, exposing then to current research and highlighting the relevance of classroom science to the horticulture industry; • Student camps with a program that illustrates career and research opportunities for students studying science at University level; • Industry placement sponsorship programs; and • Collaboration between teachers, industry scientists and University researchers to develop science teaching resources. Phil Watters (deceased 4/3/07) was an active contributor to the GrowSmart program, as guest speaker at a Teacher Professional Development dinner and his involvement as a mentor in the industry placement program. The report on the following page (p. 11) was prepared by Daniel Ashton following his industry placement with Phil Watters at Century Orchards and the Almond Board of Australia. The GrowSmart program is reliant upon financial and in-kind support from the horticulture industry. The following almond businesses are significant supporters and sponsors of the GrowSmart program: • CMV Farms GrowSmart Careers in Science

The Dotan Ltd Shaker/Harvester (www.dotanltd.co.il) For almonds, oranges, olives & nuts

Shown working in the Fini Olive Grove, WA Juran Technology Australia Ph/Fax: 08 9246 1506 Mobile: 0417 938 849 Email: jurnyv@bigpond.com

• Jubilee Almonds • Century Orchards

If you interested in making a contribution or for require further information about the GrowSmart program, please contact:

Riverland Horticultural Council— Training Peter Haines—Science Education Officer Mobile: 0429 231 946

E-mail: growsm@riverland.net.au Website: www.growsmart.com.au

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GrowSmart Careers in Science: Industry Placement Report Student Name : Daniel Ashton School : Glossop High School Industry Placement : Phil Watters—Century Orchards & Almond Board of Australia

Midway through term three during one of my exciting chemistry lessons, my class had the opportunity to view a presentation that an ex-chemistry teacher from Waikerie had prepared. The presentation was put forward by a Mr Peter Haines to show chemistry students what employment in horticulture and agriculture science is available in our district. At the end of the presentation an invite was given to any of the students to take part in a

With Phil there are about ten other workers out on Century orchards that run and main- tain the property. Half the almonds on the property are being irrigated using pulse irrigation and are being treated with improved fertiliser application. You can easily see the results from the trial in Century Orchards. The visible results include the size of the leaf, the colour, the size of the trunk and the outstanding health of each tree prepared to the other half of

Over the week of working with Phil I learnt how the trial is run and saw the results that they were getting out of the trial. I not only worked with Phil for the week, I also worked with Brett Rosenzweig, who works on the trial with Phil. He is running his own experi- ment in Loveday where he has thousands of soil samples from the trial that are being weighed to find the total dry weight of the soil and compare it to the wet weight from when the soil was first dug up.

five day camp, where we could get to meet some of the scientists in our district and get a full briefing of how their world really ticks. A few mates and I thought about the program and even- tually agreed to go on the camp. The GrowSmart Careers in Science program was set to take place on Mon- day the 11 th of December 2006. The group of us

almonds that have the old standard irrigation system. Century Orchards also have a large vineyard. I was also shown the vineyards and we went out into the field to make some crop estimates for the annual harvest that was not far from coming up. Through out the week I was shown the infor- mation technology side of Phil’s job, where he had many

I would like to thank Mr Haines for organising all that has happened, thank you to the Riverland growers’ board who donated money to the camp and made the program possible, and thank you very much to Phil Watters and Brett Rosenzweig for taking me along for that week of work experience. For the first day I was involved in this experi- ment, where I helped weigh the sand. In helping with the experiment it showed me the repetitions that can be involved in sci- ence and how far Phil and Brett are going to get good and honest results. One of Phil’s other jobs is to work out on a property situated about ten kilometres out of Loxton called Century Orchards. Century holds over a thousand acres of almonds and a large number of those almond trees have been grown by using the knowledge that Phil has got during the trial at CT farms.

spreadsheets made up for his research to be recorded and for Phil to be able to make up graphs to show his results clearly. Other technology was the computers for the pumps, which Phil briefly ran through on one occasion and the enviro-scan program that is used out on the trial to show how much moisture there is in the soil. Phil also took the time to tell me about the down sides of his profession and told me about his educa- tion and how he got to be a horticultural scientist. Phil went over subjects like the salary of his profession and future promo- tions that are available. I found that the week for the camp was well worth it and as I mentioned above it was very educational and everybody had bonded to form friends. The work placement was also very informative as I learnt a lot about the trial and how to grow almonds, and let me step into the shoes of an agriculture scientist for a week and get a true feel for science. Pictured above: Daniel Ashton and Phil Watters at Century Orchards

visited places such as the Fruit Doctors, Century Orchards, Turretfield Research Centre, the Plant Genomics Centre at the Waite Institute, Flinders University and many more. The trip ended on Friday the 15 th of that week when we travelled back to the Riverland and departed at our home towns. To look back on the trip I found that it was a very informative week, where strangers bonded to form friendships and all the participants left satisfied with the camp. Following the camp the GrowSmart program invited all of its participants to be involved in a work placement program at a chosen place where we would work side by side with some of the Horticulture and Agriculture scientists in the Riverland. For my work placement I decided to go with a Loxton Scientist named Phil Watters. Phil is part of a scientific trial at Clark Taylor Farms, heading towards Loxton, where Phil works solely with almonds to find the maxi- mum peek in the conditions for growing al- mond trees.

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• Salt, freshly ground pepper or chilli flakes Almond Vegetable Tagine A simple meal simmered in the one pan

SA Apiarists’ Association

Annual Conference to be held in Kadina June 21st & 22nd, 2007

Theme: Past & Future Registrations and enquiries to: State Secretary Mrs. B Lawrence PO Box 293 TONTINARA SA 5266 P: +61 08 8757 2001 F: +61 08 8757 2102 secretary@saaa.org.au

Serving size: Serves 4

Method

Ingredients • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 75g packet (3/4 cup) blanched almonds • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 400g sweet potato, peeled, cut into chunks • 415g or similar weight can chopped tomatoes • 2 cups vegetable stock • 375g green beans, trimmed, cut in half • 100-150g spinach leaves, rinsed • 1 red onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large pan, stir fry almonds until golden. Remove, drain on paper towel. Add remaining oil to pan, add next 5 ingredients, fry over moderate heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, stock and beans. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover, simmer 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir through spinach, cook until just wilted. Add almonds. Season to taste. Serve with cooked couscous or rice, tossed with chopped coriander and whole pitted black olives.

Disclaimer Almond Board of Australia acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise t h r o u g h p l a c e m e n t o f a d v e r t i s e m e n t s i n t h i s publication. Any advertising and/or editorial supplied to this publication does not necessarily

reflect the views of the Almond Board of Australia and unless otherwise specified, no products and/or services are endorsed by this organisation.