AUSTRALIA AND THE NUT INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW (2020)

Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Hence, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that all individuals should include nuts in their everyday diet. Moreover, Australia is a country that focuses on its import and export of nuts. In fact, as of June 2020, approximately 230,225 tonnes of in-shell nuts were produced. The kernel weight of this amounts to 140,676 tonnes. Furthermore, the total value of this production was worth more than $1,377.7 million, whereas the wholesale value of in-shell and kernel nuts was $1,454.3 million. In fact, it has also been noted that about 54% of Australian households purchase nuts while they shop for groceries. Additionally, the supply per capita was 4.6 kg, based on the volume that was supplied.

Tree nuts are grown all over the world, and most types are grown here in Australia. Tree nuts have been grown in Australia for over 100 years, with productivity increasing. The only nuts that aren’t grown at all in Australia are Brazil nuts, as they need the rainforests of the Amazon to grow. Almonds are grown in several regions in Australia, with five major growing regions: Adelaide and the Riverland (South Australia); Sunraysia (Victoria); Riverina (New South Wales); Swan Region (Western Australia). Almonds are also grown in the USA and Spain. Australia is the second-largest producer of almonds in the world, behind California, USA.

STATISTICS OF NUTS IN AUSTRALIA
If the agricultural data, collected in 2020, is carefully examined, then it can be concluded that the productions rate (in tonnes) has increased by 14%. Moreover, the production area of these had also expanded by over 8%. It is essential to note that the volume of productions has risen to 44,815; that amounts to 15% more than the previous year, 2019. Lastly, the import and export figures are integrally related to a country’s economy. When it comes to this category, the import value was recorded at $464.3 million; 8% more than the previous year. Similarly, the export value was $1005.9; a stark increase when compared to the values of the past year.