This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The Australian almond Industry had a history of following the Californian research and development program. In the mid 1990’s, the Californians stopped sharing of R&D freely, forcing the Australian Industry to look elsewhere for help.

In 1999, a delegation went to Spain to explore the Spanish industry as the Mediterranean climate is very similar to that of Australia.

A major weakness of the Australian almond Industry is its limited number of proven rootstocks. The 1999 tour found there were several new rootstocks that had potential for use under Australian conditions.

The Spanish almond Industry is traditionally grown without irrigation in dry land conditions. The current drought conditions Australia is experiencing raises the question “can almonds be grown commercially with limited water”.