What was it all about?

In 2022, this project supported eight Australian almond industry participants to travel to California to explore the latest R&D and technological developments and build on the international network established in recent years with the Californian almond industry.

During the tour, participants visited researchers, equipment manufacturers, a nursery, a major processor and marketer and a downstream user of almond by-products.

Participants engaged with the Almond Board of California (ABC) and local growers to discuss production challenges, supply growth, the prevailing drought, anticipated water restrictions, and marketing endeavours. The itinerary also included attending the three-day California Almond Conference, attended by over 4,000 participants, including industry suppliers, exhibitors, and presenting researchers.

The benefits of the study tour extend beyond the direct participants in the engagement program as the transfer of knowledge through the ABA’s wide range of communication platforms is integral to the way the Almond Board of Australia services industry members. The visit also identified many contacts that would welcome future visits from Australian industry members and researchers.