R&D
ACEing the next phase of Australia’s almond production
At the Almond Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Loxton, South Australia, research does not sit in small plots. It grows at scale across 60 hectares, under the same operational pressures faced by commercial orchards.
Funded by Hort Innovation and delivered by the Almond Board of Australia, this state‑of‑the‑art facility allows trials to push boundaries, test assumptions and absorb risk, ensuring new systems are assessed before they are implemented on growers’ farms.
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The 2024–25 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook shows that almonds are Australia’s highest valued nut, delivering record production and export volumes. At the same time, almost 40% of the country’s almond plantings are approaching the end of their productive life, making orchard renewal an industry priority.
In response, the ACE compares varieties, rootstocks, planting densities and row spacings to better understand tree interaction, canopy development and yield progression over time.
One example has explored higher‑density and narrow‑row systems, revealing where early yield gains begin to be constrained by harvest access and machinery limitations. This work helps define the operational boundaries for growers considering tighter spacings.
Water efficiency is another area where the Centre is delivering practical outcomes. Precision irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors installed at 20, 40 and 60cm can be used to examine water inputs to canopy growth and yield response. This approach demonstrates the value of deliberate irrigation strategies that use the full soil profile, supporting strong production and improving long‑term water productivity.
The value of the Almond Centre of Excellence lies in its visibility and relevance. Growers can walk mature orchards, observe the same systems across seasons and understand trade‑offs before committing to long‑term investment. Rather than prescribing a single future production system, the ACE provides examples of what works and what doesn't, supporting informed decision‑making as the industry moves into its next phase of renewal.
At Hort Innovation, everything we do is built on our vision to create a prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry built on innovation.
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