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Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.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 aim of the project was to ensure that the rapidly-expanding Australian walnut industry would become a successful industry through the adoption of the best technology from around the world.

The first strategy was to appoint an Industry Development Manager (IDM) based at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Tatura, Victoria to collect, collate and interpret Best Practice Management information from national and international sources and package this for the industry.

The second strategy was to review and update the Strategic Plan for the Australian Walnut Industry Association (AWIA).

The third strategy was to conduct the 6th International Walnut Symposium in Melbourne in 2009 and access the latest research from key scientists from around the world.

The outputs included the Symposium Proceedings, the Strategic Plan, a manual on Best Practice Management, a bio-security database, a Water Budgeting Tool and a Cost/Benefit Analysis for the industry. Further outputs included reports and demonstrations on the latest research as well as production techniques on walnuts through farm walks, meetings and publications in industry journals.

The Symposium offered a unique opportunity for discussions between International and Australian scientists and walnut growers. The outcomes for AWIA were the creation of an IDM, adoption of Best Practice Management principles, a focus on the Strategic Plan, a risk management plan for bio-security, access to an international network of scientists and Best Practice Management information needed to compete successfully in the global marketplace.