The Almond Board of Australia (ABA) has announced that the biosecurity response levy (formerly known as the Emergency Plant Pest Response Levy) for almonds will increase effective July 1, 2025. The increase is intended to cover the almond industry's share of costs associated with the response to the Varroa mite incursion.
Starting July 1, 2025, the new levy rates will be 0.37 cents per kilogram for almonds in their shells and 0.52 cents per kilogram for shelled almonds.
These charges are in addition to the existing Statutory Research and Development Levy and are specifically designated to repay the almond industry's share of the national response costs. The Varroa mite was first detected in Newcastle in 2022, prompting a coordinated eradication and management effort.
As a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, the almond industry is obligated to contribute to the cost-sharing arrangement. The total cost of the national Varroa mite response is $100 million, with the government funding 80% and industry covering the remaining 20%. The almond industry's maximum liability has been capped at $5.49 million.
The debt is expected to be repaid over 10 years, though it may be cleared earlier depending on future sales volumes. In October, the ABA informed growers of the proposed levy increase and the process for lodging objections. At the same time, the ABA submitted a formal request to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, seeking approval for the increase.
The ABA has been actively engaged in the industry-wide efforts to manage and eradicate the Varroa mite since it was first detected at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022. While levy changes typically require at least 30 days' notice from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, this notice period was shortened due to the Federal election and related limitations during the caretaker period.
For more information:
Tim Jackson
Almonds Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 8 85847053
www.almondboard.org.au
