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Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.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?

As the Australian walnut industry continued to grow, additional capacity was required to undertake industry development planning and implementation. The needs of the industry were broad and complex. Previously industry development activities were undertaken by volunteer representatives from the Australian Walnut Industry Association (AWIA) and a former State Government funded Industry Development Manager.

So that the Australian Walnut Industry Association (AWIA) could have a sustainable approach to industry development a Pre Industry Development Officer (IDO) Project Manager was employed. The employment of this dedicated person provided interim industry development services and the preparation of an industry development plan that will be used to accelerate existing planning and bring new information to the AWIA Committee.

Phase 1 of the project resulted in:

• Implementation of a report which included recommendations/actions prioritising Industry Development for the next five years
• Preparation of appropriately detailed funding submissions as required
• Provision of some administrative assistance and organisational support to AWIA in relation to the industry R&D program.

Phase 2 of the project resulted in:

• Continued engagement of the pre IDO Project Manager
• Implementation of specific programs including
  • Communication roles with organisations including HAL and the Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC)
  • Walnut industry field day
  • Application for National Industry Development Officer Project
  • Application for Study Tour to China in 2013
  • Implementation of programs to bring growers to a level of Quality
    Assurance/Food safety
  • Preparation and distribution of monthly information by e-mail and/or hard copy
  • Keeping growers up-to-date with technical and general information
  • Employment process for an IDO/Technical Communications Officer (TCO) to be employed as of 1 October 2012.

The good results of this project enabled the Australian Walnut Industry to finalise the Walnut Industry Development Needs Analysis and implement a range of activities that have improved technology transfer to all Australian walnut growers. In addition the project led to the appointment of a part-time Walnut Industry Technical Communications Officer.