Charles Sturt University researchers are leading a major five-year $2 million program funded by AgriFutures Australia to optimise hazelnut production in Australia.

Researchers, growers and wholesalers met recently at the 5000-tree farm of hazelnut industry pioneers and hosts Dr Basil and Mrs Jean Baldwin at Forest Reefs, outside Orange, NSW, to officially launch the Australian Hazelnut Program of Research (AUSHAZ).

The extensive collaborative research team is led by distinguished professor Geoff Gurr in the Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute, who is recognised internationally as one of the leading researchers in his field. 

AUSHAZ will support the long-term growth and competitive advantage of the Australian hazelnut industry and will develop quality standards and an industry framework to drive growth through innovation and communication.

The program has been co-designed with the industry, and Hazelnut Growers Australia are members of the steering committee to support and guide the program of research.

Hazelnuts are high in fibre, folate and vitamin E and contain mostly monounsaturated fats. As local supply steadily increases, demand for Australian hazelnuts is also expected to grow as consumers realise the superiority of fresh hazelnuts, compared to imported hazelnuts.

As well as being sold as in-shell, cracked or roasted products, hazelnuts have a wide range of uses, including in value-add products like oil, flour and meal as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Hazelnut production also generates significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with other foods.

Lead researcher Professor Gurr says the focus areas will support the long-term growth and competitive advantage of the Australian hazelnut industry by developing quality standards and an industry framework, and drive growth through innovation and communication.

“By providing research to assist the Australian hazelnut industry with improving yields, quality and profitability, the current grower base will be incentivised to expand,” he says.

“In addition, investors will realise the potential for Australian-grown hazelnuts to displace inferior, imported product and will be attracted to join the industry either as small-scale growers or large commercial enterprises.”

AgriFutures Australia emerging industries senior manager, Dr Olivia Reynolds, says the research program will address the most pressing issues facing current growers.

“This research program has been guided by the Australian Hazelnut 2030 Strategic Blueprint in consultation with growers, industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia, processors, agronomists and researchers,” she says.

“AgriFutures is focused on investing in research which makes a significant impact on industry growth and we’re confident the research team is well on the way to delivering that impact.”

Collaborative work on the program has already begun.

The research team comprises experts from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the University of Melbourne, the University of New England, Charles Sturt University, 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).