*EOIs have closed. Applicants will be contacted individually about their submisisons*
The Almond Board of Australia is organising two overseas study tours and is inviting representatives from the almond industry to submit Expression of Interest to participate.
The first study tour is to Spain and Portugal in May 2025, followed by a visit to California in May 2026.
The project, Almond industry international study tours (AL23004) is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Almond Fund.
Up to 13 people, including growers, processors, consultants and researchers will have their trip partially subsidised including meals, accommodation and bus hire for seven days/nights.
The objective of the study tours is to:
- observe relevant practices and innovations and improve understanding of issues and opportunities faced by the international almond industry and how this is, or might, impact on the Australian industry.
- establish and/or improve relationships between Australian delegates and their international counterparts and identify areas for cross-industry collaboration.
- share observations and new knowledge with the broader Australian industry.
The tour itineraries will be designed by a project reference group (PRG), taking into account past tour learnings, existing networks in Spain/Portugal and California together with grower feedback and participant interests to ensure tour destinations are relevant to industry issues across the value chain.
It’s envisaged the study tours will include the following activities:
Spain and Portugal – May 2025
- Aligning with the INC (International nut and dried fruit (INC) congress May 8-10, 2025 Palma de Mallorca, Spain)
- Rootstock/ scion combinations at different spacing (IRTA)
- Harvest machinery and storage: Over-row harvester; in-field de-huller; in-shell silo storage (IRTA)
- Tree training systems for high density plantings (IRTA)
- Almond storage and drying silos to manage early and rain affected harvests (UNIO almond co-op Reus/Riudoms)
- Super-high density (semi-commercial) trial with dwarfing rootstocks and hedging (Agromillora)
- New varieties of almond trees for future challenges.
California, USA – May 2026
- Aligning with the annual ‘Nickels Soil Lab’ – Spring Field Day (May) in Arbuckle, California – presentations on various research trials and production aspects.
- Whole orchard recycling – machinery, practices, costs and incentives.
- Replant considerations – Prunus Replant Disease, Nutrition, Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation to avoid Fumigation. Trial site at Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Centre, Parlier.
- Groundwater policy reform and modelling water use for licenced applications.
- Inhive sensor technology for hive health & living with Varroa – BeeHero
- Rootstock trials funded by Californian Almond Board undertaken by Roger Duncan, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) at Kearney Field Station.
The ABA will ensure the study tour group features a broad cross section of the industry.
Selection criteria will be used to ensure representatives have a range of interests, experience and perspectives across the value chain, job roles and growing regions. Preference will be given to emerging leaders and individuals/ businesses who actively participate in the Australian almond industry R&D program.
Those wanting to apply must indicate a willingness and ability to:
- Align with the tour objectives by: creating and strengthening international linkages with key research institutes and fellow almond tour members that could enhance future R&D investments.
- Travel at the nominated times and participate in the tour activities.
- Contribute to generating a positive and supportive team environment, appreciating individual perspectives and contributions.
- Actively report daily observations and insights back to the Almond industry via Whats App, video diary, and a post tour survey.
- Agree to comments, pictures and video published in ABA publications and communication avenues.
- Pay for flights and travel insurance and other expenses not covered by the study tour (ABA will recommend a travel agent to assist this process).
- Meet all other expenses for any personal arrangement(s) made, or incurred, that does not align with the itinerary or organised group activity.
If you would like to be considered as a study tour participant, please submit your EOI by 8th November 2024 via the button below.
Please note video submissions will also be accepted.
For further information contact ABA Industry Development Manager Deidre Jaensch on djaensch@australianalmonds.com.au