There are currently almost 2,000 hectares of different nuts species crops in the area: 1,150 hectares of walnuts, 600 of hazel and 200 of almonds. Due to the sharp increase in production in recent years and the strong interest in these fruits, given the current situation and difficulties for small/medium fruit growers caused by market complications, quality, varietal spares and increased costs, annual returns are lower.
The nuts have an advantageous position in this scenario, mainly because of three reasons: growing demand and prices in the domestic and international markets, lower labour requirements and inputs for production, and easy and prolonged post-harvest maintenance, so the product doesn't have to be marketed quickly (and sometimes badly).
There are walnut crops in four distinct areas: the Lower Valley, Middle Valley, Rio Negro's Upper Valley and Limay (Picún Leufú Arroyito). These plantations are made today in high and medium densities, with grafted varieties, adapted to the region, that have a high production and quality. In average, these ventures have their first commercial harvest in the fourth year and can produce 4,000 to 4,500 kilos per hectare by their tenth year. The most widely planted varieties are the Chandler and the Franquette as they yield high quality nuts that are already known in the domestic market and that have been exported mainly to Italy for eight years. Producers are paid nearly $35/kg in the domestic market and $4.90 to $ 5.10 dollars per kilo of shelled walnuts for export. These prices, coupled with the low costs of production positions this culture very well for its high profitability.
Hazel crops have been planted almost exclusively in the Lower Rio Negro Valley, 95% of the total, as this area has more humidity. The experimental development by the IDEVI in the 70s had a strong impact in its territorial framing.
Currently, the nearly 550 hectares make up the bulk of the domestic production of hazel geared especially for the industry, and the Tonda di Giffoni variety, of Italian origin, is the most planted variety. The productions of adult crops vary, but can be estimated at an average of 2200-2500 kg/ha. This season's prices average $3.50/kilo, so producers are obtaining very good profit margins.
The almond is the species with the highest growth in demand and prices internationally. It is considered an excellent alternative in the region because of its precocity and productivity. Late cultivars of the fruit were introduced in the 70s and 80s from France, Spain and Italy, which gave a small boost to the first plantations. Now, new varieties of Spanish very late cultivars - from late August to the end of September-, some of which have been tested by the INTA Alto Valle with antifreeze sprinkler systems, have proven that the production of almonds is feasible, safe and can have a high profitability. Traditionally, producers are paid between $7-8 dollars per kilogram, but the current prices are much higher and, since producers have yields of nearly 2,000 kilos of peeled almonds per hectare, business is blooming.
Regarding soil requirements, the walnut demands a high quality considering its depth, and that the soil must be free of underground waters, etc.; meanwhile the almond is the least demanding of the three species concerned.
There are many productive alternatives for the fruit sector and each can be a successful business if the markets have a high demand and good prices for the product are obtained and only if the crops are cultivated in the correct location (climate, soil, water), with good quality plants and have the appropriate technical overview.
Source: rionegro.com.ar