The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t greatly affected the industry, with harvest able to continue largely as normal with extra hygiene practices in place.

Reports from around the country suggest that 2020 will be another strong year with levels of production similar to 2017’s record harvest of 13,000 tonnes.

President of the Australian Walnut Industry Association Dr Sally Smith said that with many people looking to help support their immunity at the moment, fresh Australian walnuts are the logical choice.

“Walnuts contain many nutrients which can contribute to the normal function of our immune system, including a wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals beneficial to health,” Dr Smith said.

“They are versatile, too, so if you’re spending a bit more time in the kitchen at the moment, you’ll be able to add walnuts to your cakes, bread, salads, pasta, soups and risotto - they go with everything.”

Scientific research has shown numerous health benefits from eating a handful of walnuts (30g) a day as part of a healthy diet.

Eating walnuts can promote heart health, improve blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, with no effect on body weight.

A combination of the healthy polyunsaturated fats, plant omega-3s, fibre and arginine in walnuts, plus their antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effects, may help explain why walnuts promote heart health.

Walnut production in Australia is growing rapidly, with the industry set to crack the $95M mark, in terms of total value of production, by 2025.

Dr Smith said Australian production continues to increase as young trees come into production and more new areas are planted.

“Around 50 per cent of Australian-grown walnuts are exported, and we are seeing this increase, thanks to our ability to provide a reliable and premium quality supply of walnuts into the northern hemisphere markets in their off-season,” Dr Smith said.

“Australian walnut growers are producing some of the best quality walnuts in the world utilising world-class processing systems that provide consumers with the confidence that Australian nuts are safe and reliable.”