They report that domestic consumption of hazelnut kernel is currently around 2,000 tonnes equivalent to 4,500 tonnes in-shell.

Currently the area under production is approximately 200 ha, including young orchards yet to come into production, producing 150 tonnes. By 2020, the area under hazelnut production is expected to be approaching 500 ha with production being 300 tonnes in-shell. 

While the Ferrero Group has establishing a new orchard in New South Wales, this will take a number of years to come into production. By 2020 the modelling forecasts about 2000 tonnes of hazelnuts will be harvested from the Ferrero farm. “The challenge is for local growers to match that volume in the medium term,” said Sallianne Faulkner, President of the Hazelnut Growers of Australia Inc. “The main objective of the Association is the implementation of a plan that sees the domestic Hazelnut production grow to at last 1,000 tonnes over the next decade.”

The growth of hazelnut industry is being investigated by a range of industry members and agencies in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

“An informative national conference of the Hazelnut Growers Association has been planned for the 23- 25 October at Goulburn, New South Wales,” said Trevor Ranford Communications Officer, Hazelnut Growers of Australia Inc.

Some 50-plus growers will get the opportunity to hear from two industry leaders in Dr Basil Baldwin, who recently completed his PhD on hazelnuts and the National Rural Woman of the Year Runner-up, Carol Bracken. “Dr Baldwin and Carol Bracken will be complimented by a range of speakers including Tim Marshall (Organic production) and SP Singh (Food safety researcher, NSW DPI),” Ranford said.

“Any individual/business interested in attending and learning about the future of the Australian Hazelnut Industry is encouraged to register with the Association,” Faulkner said.

Those interested in participating can obtain more information from the HGA website: www.hazelnuts.org.au