CARBOOR hazelnut producer Ben Barrow welcomes the introduction of the Australian Hazelnut Program of Research, which was launched in late November in Orange.

The Australian Hazelnut Program of Research (AUSHAZ) is a five-year, $2 million program funded by AgriFutures Australia which is working to optimise hazelnut production in Australia, develop quality standards and industry framework and drive growth through innovation and communication.

Mr Barrow said he believes this will be a positive step forward in the quality and production of hazelnuts.

“The program will be beneficial for producers as the program presents detailed and positive outcomes on disease management and disease identification,” he said.

“We have over 10,000 trees and management is vital to the health of the trees and the introduction of the new program will be an advantage for hazelnut farmers.

“Our business is always open to learning from the best, as researchers are always staying ahead of the game and it's a positive feeling to stay in touch.

“We aim to get consistent quality with the nuts and uphold a high standard for the consumer.

“Our farm is in a great location where no irrigation is required as the trees sustain enough annual rainfall.

“Recently we have imported five varieties of hazelnuts which mature in three to four years not the usual seven to ten that include Yamhill, Jefferson, Dorris, McDonald and Pheta.

“The Australian base of research practice is 20 years behind compared to practices overseas and the introduction of this program will fast track the industry locally.”

Expected research outputs include a smartphone app to detect flower-to-nut conversion rates, an online system for hazelnut data collection, storage and analysis, drying guidelines for growers and processors, to develop and test new systems for hazelnut tree irrigation, nutrition and protecting sustainability from incursions of exotic pests and diseases.

The research team is led by Charles Sturt University distinguished professor Geoff Gurr, recognised as one of the country’s leading researchers in his field.

Mr Gurr said the research will unlock the potential of the Australian hazelnut industry by overcoming several barriers for growth.

“By providing research to assist the Australian hazelnut industry with improving yields, quality and profitability, the current grower base will be incentivized to expand,” he said.

“In addition, investors will realise the potential for Australian-grown hazelnuts to displace inferior, imported product and will be attracted to join the industry either as small-scale growers or large commercial enterprises.”

As local supply steadily increases, demand for Australian hazelnuts is also expected to grow as consumers realise the superiority of fresh hazelnuts, compared to imported hazelnuts.

HGIA executive officer Trevor Ranford said Australian-grown hazelnuts were already highly valued by gourmet retailers, restaurants, confectioners, patisseries and gelato makers.

“Last year, Australia produced about 580 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts with a farm-gate value of $6.4 million,” Mr Ranford said.

“The research being carried out through the AUSHAZ program will support sustainable growth of those numbers for the long-term prosperity of the Australian hazelnut industry.”

AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries senior manager Dr Olivia Reynolds said the research program will address the most pressing issues facing current growers.

“The Australian Hazelnut Program of Research was guided by the Australian Hazelnut 2030 Strategic Blueprint in consultation with growers, industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia, processors, agronomists and researchers,” she said.

“AgriFutures is focused on investing in research that makes a significant impact on industry growth and we’re confident that the research team is well on the way to delivering that impact.”

As well as being sold as in-shell, cracked or roasted products, hazelnuts have a wide range of uses, including in value-add products like oil, flour and meal as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

They are high in fibre, folate and vitamin E and contain mostly monounsaturated fats.

Hazelnut trees grow well in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia and take approximately seven to ten years from planting to bear fruit.