AgriFutures invests $2m to crack Australian hazelnut industry

A new research program aims to crack open the opportunities for Australian farmers to replace imported hazelnuts product with fresher, superior Australian-grown hazelnuts.

AgriFutures Australia’s Emerging Industries program is investing $2 million over five years to deliver research to grow the Australian hazelnut industry.

More than 3,500 tonnes of hazelnut products are imported into Australia each year, mostly from Turkey.

With global demand for hazelnuts also increasing, the Australian agriculture industry is poised to capitalise on the opportunity to displace imported product.

The Australian Hazelnut Program of Research was guided by the Australian Hazelnut 2030 Strategic Blueprint in consultation with growers, industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia, processors, agronomists and researchers.

The research program funded will be led by Charles Sturt University in collaboration with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) the University of Melbourne, the University of New England, the University of New South Wales, Central Queensland University, Lincoln Agritech, ERM Australia, STR Consulting, Fourjay Farms and other industry representatives through Hazelnut Growers of Australia Inc (HGAI).

Lead researcher, Distinguished Professor Geoff Gurr said the focus areas will support the long-term growth and competitive advantage of the Australian hazelnut industry.

“The research will focus on three key areas including optimising production systems, developing quality standards and industry framework, and driving industry growth through innovation and communication,” Distinguished Professor Gurr said.

AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Manager, Dr Kerinne Harvey said Australian-grown hazelnuts are sought-after by independent retailers, gourmet retailers, restaurants, confectioners and patisseries because of their freshness and superior quality compared with imported kernels.

“While in-shell nuts are the major market for Australian growers, there is a wide range of uses for hazelnuts including value-add products like oil, flour and meal as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.”

Hazelnut trees are grown in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia and take approximately 7-10 years from planting to bear fruit.

Hazelnuts are high in fibre, folate and vitamin E and contain mostly monounsaturated fats.

While the industry in Australia is relatively small, new growers can invest now to take advantage of the expected industry growth.

Hazelnut Growers Australia Executive Officer Trevor Ranford said in 2023, Australia produced about 580 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts with a farm gate value of $6.4 million.

“The industry is set for rapid expansion as young orchards come into commercial bearing, while growth in the number of hectares under production is also expected as farmers seek increased crop diversity,” Mr Ranford said.

For more information on the opportunities within the industry potential new growers can contact the Association through Mr Ranford or access the website here.
For more information on AgriFutures hazelnut investments, visit AgriFutures Australia website here
Subscribe to the Emerging Industries mailing list here.

Media enquiries:

Megan Hendry
Emerging Industries Extension Officer
AgriFutures Australia
07 4930 9344