Almond Industry

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE (18 November 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries has received this advice:

1. The current Government has been in ongoing discussions with the Almond Board of Australia over the development of a new national Almond Centre of Excellence in South Australia for over a year.

2. Recently, the South Australian Government offered the Almond Board of Australia the use of the Loxton Research Centre, along with access to research staff and services, and assistance in accessing a suitable site to build the new Almond Centre of Excellence.

3. On 29 October 2014, soon after the offer by the South Australian Government was made, the then Victorian Government announced, if re-elected, they would expand horticulture research capacity at Irymple to establish the Australian Almond Centre of Excellence, with an investment of $12 million for capital works and development of research programs to support Victoria's fastest growing horticulture sector.

We are all now aware of the outcome of the Victorian election. The South Australian Government is happy to continue discussions with the Almond Board of Australia, as we believe a new facility at the Loxton Research Centre will help the Australian almond industry to expand and meet its current export demands.