THE Australian Almond Conference – hosted by the Almond Board of Australia (ABA) – is officially back, after a lengthy hiatus due to Covid-19.
South Australian almond growers throughout the Riverland, Mallee, and Gawler area are encouraged to attend the conference, which normally takes place every second year.
However, the 2022 event – held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from October 10 to 12 – will be the first since 2018.
Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to industry experts, such as Californians David ‘The Almond Doctor’ Doll and Patrick Brown on how to do more with less as input costs go through the roof.
The focus of the conference will be helping growers be as profitable as possible.
The latest research findings on a range of topics will be discussed, including:
- Hullrot
- Dieback
- Carpophilus beetle
- Carob moth
- On-farm drying
- Nutritions
- Water market strategies
- Pollination
Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, Australian almonds have evolved into a powerhouse industry that has attracted significant investment from off-shore investors.
The ABA, in conjunction with Hort Innovation, has almost 30 research and development programs dedicated to addressing key issues on-farm, doing more with less, and promoting the benefits of consuming a handful of almonds every day.
The aim of the Conference in 2022 – titled ‘Growing Together’ – will be bringing together as many stakeholders as possible by delivering a conference program that educates, facilitates, collaborates and celebrates a wide range of issues from farm gate to plate.
A new interactive program that will provide growers with greater access to expert speakers than ever before is being prepared.
There will be a number of new innovations including an alternative Spouses Program that promises an alternative conference experience beyond the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The event will also celebrate those who have contributed significantly to the industry and come together to launch an industry-wide mental health support network that will be a first for horticulture in Australia.
Almond growers are encouraged to renew their ABA membership for the current financial year by visiting (www.australianalmonds.com.au/industry/annual-memberships).
Current members will be eligible for a discounted price for a conference ticket by visiting (www.australianalmonds.com.au/events/events-growing-together-2022-australian-almond-conference).
Conference hosts The Almond Doctor
THE 2022 Australian Almond Conference will feature a presentation from David ‘The Almond Doctor’ Doll (pictured), who is a renowned expert in all things almond production and research.
Mr Doll has built a comprehensive online resource for almond growers where they can share different almond and tree nut farming opinions and practices.
On his website over the past 11 years, articles have been posted regularly and included content about diseases, nutrition, irrigation, and insect management.
These have ranged from introduction and explanation of horticultural concepts to specific descriptions and management strategies of a problems.
Mr Doll will bring his expertise to Australian shores when he speaks about his extensive background in the industry at the conference.
