Nut industry leaders are set to get cracking thanks to the Coalition Government’s $5 million for the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said the Australian Nut Industry Council Inc would receive $379,200 in funding to support the development of industry leaders into the future.

“Australia’s nut industry has enjoyed significant growth over the past five years and it’s looking to build on this success,” Minister Ruston said.

“Developing and expanding industry leadership capacity and expertise will be key to taking the industry forward.

“The government is supporting the industry’s goals through the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.

“Our funding will support the Australian Nut Industry Council and its seven member organisations and grower members to plan and manage current and future expansion.

“This includes training industry members in governance, strategic planning, leadership and advocacy, and establishing a succession program to maintain strong leadership within the industry.

“The government recognises how important strong industry leadership is to the ongoing success of our agricultural industries.

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said how industry representation at the highest level can underpin future agricultural development.

“We want to ensure these representative organisations are able to advocate agricultural and rural issues effectively to the wider community and across government and champion their industries’ priorities,” Mr Pasin said.

“The Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund will have a lasting impact—supporting the next generation of leaders in Barker and throughout Australia.”

Fast Facts

  • Australian tree nut production farmgate value in 2015/16 was almost $1 billion.
  • The industry has increased in value by 250 per cent in the last five years, and is predicted to exceed $2 billion by 2030 based on new plantings and productivity research investment. Export earnings of between $1 and $1.5 billion are anticipated during the same period (Australian Nut Industry Council Inc).
  • The Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund was announced as part of the government’s 2016 election policy for a Stronger Agricultural Sector.
  • Australia exported 66,000 tonnes of almonds in 2016-17, worth $462 million to the national economy.
  • In 2015–16 South Australian almond production totalled 14,059t accounting for 19 per cent of Australia’s total almond production. The South East region of South Australia, including the Riverland, accounted for 96 per cent of South Australian almond production in 2015-16.

 

CONTACT: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466