New president for AU walnut industry
Dr Michael Lang, Principal Scientist at Walnuts Australia, has accepted the position as the new AWIA's President. Dr Lang's work for his PhD on management of walnut blight has been widely adopted in Australian walnut orchards. AWIA looks forward to a long and productive period with Dr Lang as President and thanks Mr Hosken for his enthusiastic contribution as President. Dr Lang will start in the new role on 17th November after a handover during the next two weeks.
“The Australian Walnut Industry is going through some exciting times with plantings increasing and production reaching new heights” said Dr Lang, President elect, Australian Walnut Industry Association.
The 2015 production was in excess of 8,000 tonnes with a Farm Gate Value of $60 million. By 2020 the industry expects to have a production of 13,000 tonnes.
Growers are establishing orchards in new regions like the Riverland and Sunraysia that will lead to further production capacity.
“Some of these new orchards will be featured at the upcoming Symposium/Farm Walk being organised for Saturday 21st November 2015” said Mr Trevor Ranford, Technical Communications Officer, AWIA.
A full program will commence with a symposium at the Mercure Motel, Mildura and then move out into the orchard where growers will be able to see both the orchards and orchard equipment.
“Current and prospective growers are encouraged to attend this last event for 2015” said Mrs Sally Smith, Secretary, AWIA.
For more information:
Trevor Ranford
Australian Walnut Industry Association
Tel: +61 (0)417 809 172
Email: tco@walnut.net.au
www.walnut.net.au