Tim Jackson
Chief executive, Almond Board of Australia
THE nation’s leading expert of spray effectiveness and a leading research on insect management from California will be among the main attractions at the Almond industry’s Research and Development Forum at Robinvale later this year.
New AI and robotic machinery will also feature at the event.
Registration is now open for the Australian Almond Research and Development Forum, which will be held there from October 21 to 22.
This event is held every two years, giving growers the opportunity to hear directly from researchers and learn about new innovations.
And as Robinvale is the engine room of Australian almond production, it makes the address the perfect location for the forum.
More than 250 people attended the event when it was last held in 2023, and similar numbers are expected this year.
It’s fantastic to have horticulture spraying specialist Don Thorp presenting a demonstration workshop on day one.
Don is regarded as the nation’s foremost authority on spray effectiveness and his commonsense workshops have proved extremely popular.
He uses a number of visual cues to help explain best practice spraying techniques.
I have no doubt it will help growers get improved control on their pest and diseases, which is important for a few different reasons.
There is emerging research that is linking the importance of maximising application and timing of sprays with yield.
It’s also vital to protect our chemistry, preventing pests and diseases from developing resistance to these products.
A large part of the first day is getting out among the local orchards via a convoy of coaches.
The bus tour restricts traffic on farm and ensures a far more systemised approach to the demonstrations.
This activity proved popular with delegates last year.
Another feature of the tour will be carpophilus beetle trapping trials.
It is looking like the traps will be a key component of controlling the beetles on farm in the future, so learning more about the implementation and management of the traps will be an invaluable opportunity.
Grower R&D levy funds have been a key driver in development of the attractant which is used in the traps.
David Haviland from the University of California’s Division of Ag and Natural Resources has been secured as the keynote speaker.
He’ll discuss insect pest management in California and provide input on Australia’s approach.
This will coincide with David’s Australian sabbatical, to see carpophilus beetle and engage with local scientists who are developing strategies to combat the pest.
Projects funded through Hort Innovation’s Almond Industry Fund, including pest and disease management, variety and rootstock trials, and best management practices will be explored on day two.
An additional feature of this year’s forum will be a delegates’ dinner in the trade exhibit hall at the end of day one to maximise networking opportunities for all involved.
There will also be a workshop to assist growers looking for ramp up their on-farm sustainability measurement skills on the first morning of the forum.
World leading facilitator Leading Harvest will provide insights on the key metrics and most cost-efficient ways to gather information required by processors.
Attendees will also get the opportunity to hear findings on high density plantings from people who attend the ABA’s study tour to Spain and Portugal in May.
Graduates from the 2025 Growing Almond Leaders program will also be presenting posters on a research project they have undertaken during the course.
Further details about the R&D Forum, including how to register, can be obtained online at almondboard.org.au/events.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities and trade displays are still available and the prospectus can be found on our website.
