Local almond growers are finally reaping the benefits of trees planted over three years ago.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Riverina is anticipating a successful almond harvest, in line with the massive hauls expected across Australia.
About 123,000 tonnes of almonds are to be harvested around the country this year, making it the largest crop on record and continuing a recent trend of increasing yields.
Griffith grower James Callipari said the bumber crop is down to young trees finally coming to maturity.
"Nothing really special has happened in the area, except that there's been increased plantings over the last four or five years," Mr Callipari said.
"The trees start to have their first commercially viable harvest in their third year, and that's why there will be increased tonnes this year."
According to Mr Callipari, there had not been particularly outstanding weather for the crops but the yield would be good regardless.
"It all looks fine at this stage ... we're just waiting on weather at the moment and then we'll be able to start the harvest."
Australia is the second biggest producer of almonds in the world, after the US, and since 2016 the industry has had it's sights set on expanding.
MORE NEWS | Griffith grown rapper releases first video clip
There is a high demand for almonds which has caused farmers across the country to plant more trees, but the Riverina in particular has been a major player in boosting the numbers.
Mr Callipari said the Riverina has "the largest share" of young orchards in the country.
Chief executive of Almond Board Australia, Ross Skinner, said this increase in plantings around the Riverina has made the region an important cog for the industry.
"The industry has been expanding a lot since 2016," he said.
"A lot of that expansion has happened in the Riverina, so it's become a very important production region for the industry."
READ MORE
"The Riverina now represents over 30 per cent of the national plantings of almonds and it wasn't long ago where that was only 10 per cent."
Mr Skinner said the access to suitable land and water in the area made it the prime location for almond orchards going forward.
The region's almond growers are now awaiting dry conditions so they can start their harvest.
Monty Jacka
Monty is a journalist at The Daily Advertiser in Wagga. He can be reached at m.jacka@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Monty is a journalist at The Daily Advertiser in Wagga. He can be reached at m.jacka@austcommunitymedia.com.au
