Growing Tree Nuts in Australia

Tree nuts provide attractive alternative production options to the more traditional but largely low value Australian agricultural industries which are currently under pressure from the low labour costs, and heavily subsidised production of overseas competitors.

The tyranny of distance generally means that most agricultural commodities carry a high export freight cost to our major markets. By contrast, the high value of nuts compared to most broadacre crops means the freight cost is an insignificant component. For example, a 20-foot container of almonds or macadamias has a market value in excess of $150,000 compared to around $5,000 for a container-load of wheat. Freight costs per kg are comparable but as a proportion of value there is a stark difference.

 

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By the Australian Nut Industry Council