What stage of the almond season are we at?
We are about to enter the pollination period.
This will be one of the most challenging seasons for growers given the border controls around beehive movements due to the discovery of varroa mite in northern NSW on June 22.
We’re seeing the almond industry reaching new milestones for production, what has been key to this continual growth?
The ongoing health benefits, versatility and non-perishable characteristics of the product is appealing to growers and consumers alike.
The global take up of plant-based diets has elevated the use of almonds given their wide-range of applications from beverages to snacks to ingredients.
Are there any export challenges still being caused by Covid-19?
Sea freight congestion has slowed the sale of almonds globally and weakened grower returns as a result.
The cost of freight has increased by 400 to 500 per cent in the past 18 months.
Is the threat of varroa mite to bees causing any challenges for Riverland almond production?
Varroa mite has resulted in the price of beehives for pollination firming.
If the mite cannot be eradicated this will have an ongoing impact on the availability and cost of hives for growers.
As an industry, we are likely to be down at least 70,000 hives for pollination this season, so getting perfect weather – warm clear days – will be essential to help offset this shortage in some orchards.
Do you expect another overall increase in production in the next harvest?
The industry is forecast to grow to 15 per cent on this year’s crop but it is too early to tell if it will live up to potential given the challenges we are facing with pollination.
What are the most important factors for tree health at this stage?
The effectiveness of post-harvest fertigation will be a critical component in canopy growth. All oil sprays to manage mite activity should have been applied by now.
In the lead-up to flowering, one of the most important applications of the year for growers will be targeting diseases like blossom blight.
The looming pollination and nut-set phases of season are also the highest-risk periods for frost.
