Presidents Message

A Wet summer and record early March rainfall created headaches for many growers, and highlight the importance of timely orchard operations. As I write, Clem is harvesting several groves in the Orange region and enjoying sun and a few days respite from rain. Crops this year are generally heavier than in 2011, but some growers (including us) report early fallen nuts swept away by flood.

Rapid re-growth of grass mown before nut fall will retain moisture on the grove floor, and slow the natural drying of fallen nuts. This year several Orange growers will pick up at least twice in order to get nuts in and starting to dry before any kernel deterioration can commence. The kernel quality of last year’s crop was the lowest Clem and I have experienced, and we are not alone! Prompt pick up and drying are vital in wet years.

Bacterial blight has flourished in many groves. Several growers report they have lost young trees. I believe that significant ‘potential’ yield is lost where blight infects immature nut clusters during October and early November. This is particularly the case in a wet spring — eg 2010. I have observed ‘mummified’ baby nut clusters and catkin initials in several groves, with as many as ten potential clusters lost on just one branch!

In mid February, Clem and I drove through Victoria and sailed to Tasmania to meet Vice President George French, Treasurer, Nathan Bracken, his wife Carol and senior academics and researchers at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. Under the National Horticultural Research Network TIA is the lead agency for national research co-ordination on hazelnuts. Our trip highlighted the differences in regional climates and soils, we met or heard of many hazelnut growers who are not members of HGA, and discussions with George, Nathan and Carol cemented HGA direction on a number of matters were fruitful.

To become Members of Plant Health Australia and commence a program of Bio-Security awareness and education. (This is not signing the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), which is likely to be several years away.)
To conduct an Industry Stock Take - essential to understanding how many hazelnut growers exist, where they are, farm gate value, grove age and industry value. The knowledge is vital in the event of a bio-security incursion. It will also improve communication and over time the quality of Australian grown hazelnut.
To improve the level of relevance and service to members - both small and large growers. Two levels of grower membership and an associate membership are up for discussion.
To amend the rules of the organisation to ensure that the former Research and Industry Development Committee is enshrined in HGA constitution, and becomes the point for communication between NHRN, TIA, researchers, research authorities and industry.
To continue to explore additional projects including:
- The Hazelnut Year — a calendar of operations and practical advice;
- Bacterial Blight extended fact sheet;
- Nut handling, drying and storage guidelines.

Vanessa Cox

Mudgee, NSW
March 2012

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