Damon Mcknight
Hazelnuts are grown in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia, particularly the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria, around Myrtleford. They are also grown in central and eastern Victoria and increasingly in northern Tasmania, with small levels of production in South Australia and Western Australia. In 2024, Australia produced about 544 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, while it imported 2,500-3,500 tonnes of hazelnuts, mainly from Turkey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas of Hazelnut Plantations in Australia | Central Tablelands of New South Wales (NSW) around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria around Myrtleford; central and eastern Victoria; Tasmania; small levels of production in South Australia and Western Australia |
| Suitable Climate Conditions | Cool winter to provide sufficient chill to break the dormancy of the flowering and vegetative buds; average annual rainfall of over 600mm; well-drained, nutrient-rich soil |
| Suitable Areas in Australia | Cooler climates in Tasmania, Adelaide Hills in SA, Orange in NSW, and northeast Victoria |
| Number of Hazelnut Trees Planted | Approximately 1.2 million trees across Australia |
| Number of Hazelnut Growers in Australia | Around 60 |
| Annual Hazelnut Production in Australia | 544 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts in 2024; estimated to increase with young orchards coming into commercial bearing |
| Annual Hazelnut Imports to Australia | 2,500-3,500 tonnes; primarily from Turkey |
| Annual Domestic Consumption of Hazelnut Kernels in Australia | 2,000 tonnes |
| Annual Domestic Consumption of In-Shell Hazelnuts in Australia | 300 tonnes |
| Advantages of Growing Hazelnuts in Australia | Relatively low pest and disease issues due to strict quarantine laws; ability to produce hazelnuts with little use of herbicides and pesticides, including organically certified hazelnuts |
| Disadvantages of Growing Hazelnuts in Australia | Long-term climate in some regions may not be conducive to hazelnut farming, as noted by the Ferrero Group's decision to discontinue its farm in southern NSW |
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What You'll Learn
Hazelnut Growers Handbook
This handbook is designed to provide an informative guide to the production of hazelnuts in Australia. Hazelnuts are predominantly grown in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. With Australia's strict quarantine laws, there are very few pests or diseases that affect hazelnut trees, making the country an ideal location for hazelnut cultivation.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Hazelnuts thrive in cool climates with winters that provide sufficient chill to break the dormancy of flowering and vegetative buds. The southern and mountainous regions of Australia, where summers are not excessively hot, are well-suited for hazelnut cultivation. An average annual rainfall of over 600mm is desirable, with supplementary irrigation available during dry years. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is ideal for optimal growth.
Pollination and Varieties
All varieties of hazelnuts require cross-pollination to produce nuts, so it is essential to plant several compatible varieties together. Nurseries can provide advice on genetic compatibility and suitable combinations. The choice of variety also depends on the intended market, such as table nuts, confectionery, or oil production. Ennis, Lewis, and Casina are examples of polliniser varieties that produce large, medium, and small nuts, respectively.
Planting and Harvesting
Hazelnut trees are typically supplied as rooted suckers or 'whips' from early July to late August and should be free from pests and diseases. They are usually pruned to a single stem and can grow to a height of 5 metres or more. Trees should reach commercial production around the age of 6 years, and a well-managed orchard can remain active for over 40 years. Nuts mature during the summer, turning from green to hazel, and are harvested in late summer to early autumn when they fall to the ground.
Market and Opportunities
The Australian hazelnut industry offers a unique opportunity for import replacement, as the country currently imports the majority of its hazelnut requirements. Locally grown hazelnuts are highly sought-after by restaurants and confectioners due to their fresh taste compared to imported products. With the increasing demand for healthy and nutritious snacks, hazelnuts can be marketed as a delicious and healthy option. Additionally, the potential for export crops to the Northern Hemisphere is significant, providing a second crop midway through the year.
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Hazelnut farming in NSW
Hazelnut farming in Australia has significant potential, with the country currently importing most of its hazelnut requirements. Australia imports about 2000 tonnes of hazelnuts annually, worth around $10 million, but only grows around 200 tonnes. This presents a substantial import replacement opportunity, especially considering the high quality and freshness of Australian hazelnuts.
In New South Wales (NSW), hazelnut farming is particularly prominent in the region around Orange, where growers can achieve prices as high as $30 per kg. The NSW Department of Primary Industries provides strong support to hazelnut farmers, with a dedicated temperate nut researcher and several hazelnut research plots in the state.
The cool climate of Orange and other regions in NSW is well-suited to hazelnut cultivation, as hazelnuts require a cool winter to break the dormancy of their flowering and vegetative buds. An average annual rainfall of over 600 mm is desirable, with supplementary irrigation available in drier years.
To begin hazelnut farming in NSW, growers should source accredited nursery stock or join the Hazelnut Growers of Australia to access resources and networking opportunities. Nurseries can provide advice on compatible varieties, as all hazelnuts require cross-pollination to produce nuts. Successful pollination also requires suitable flowering and pollen release times, with genetic compatibility between varieties.
With the increasing demand for Australian hazelnuts and the favourable conditions in NSW, the state is well-positioned to lead the country's hazelnut industry in the coming decades.
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Tasmania's hazelnut industry
Tasmania is well-suited for hazelnut cultivation due to its cool climate and high rainfall, which meet the crop's requirements for successful growth. The first trials of hazelnut cultivation in Tasmania were conducted in the 1980s, paving the way for the development of a thriving hazelnut industry on the island. Today, Tasmania is home to several hazelnut orchards that produce high-quality nuts sought by chefs, food producers, and consumers alike. The Tasmanian hazelnut industry offers a range of experiences for visitors, including farm tours, tastings, culinary events, and festivals.
The state imports the majority of its hazelnut requirements, presenting a significant opportunity for local growers to meet this demand with fresh produce. The long turnaround time between planting hazelnut trees and harvesting the first crop, typically between five and seven years, has been a deterrent for some farmers. However, there is a growing confidence in the industry, with predictions of substantial growth in the next five to ten years.
One of Tasmania's largest hazelnut farms, Hazelbrae Hazelnuts, has successfully expanded its operations through e-commerce and social media marketing. Visitors to their website can purchase fresh Australian-grown hazelnuts directly from the farm. Hazelbrae has received positive reviews from customers who praise the taste and quality of their hazelnuts, recommending them as a delicious snack and baking ingredient.
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Import replacement
Australia currently imports the majority of its hazelnuts, with only around 200 tonnes grown in the country annually, compared to 2,500-3,500 tonnes imported. This presents a significant opportunity for import replacement through the expansion of local hazelnut cultivation.
Hazelnuts are predominantly grown in the cooler, southern regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. These areas offer suitable climates and rainfall for hazelnut production. The Central Tablelands of New South Wales, around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria, are key hazelnut-growing regions. However, the recent decision by Ferrero Group to cease hazelnut farming in southern NSW due to long-term climate unsuitability is a setback for the industry.
To replace imports, Australia would need to plant approximately half a million trees or 800 hectares, considering a yield of 2,500 kilograms per hectare. This expansion could be facilitated by the availability of resources and support from organisations like Hazelnut Growers of Australia, which offers guidance, resources, and networking opportunities for growers.
The demand for locally grown hazelnuts is evident, with restaurants, confectioners, and patisseries seeking fresh, local products over imported kernels. Furthermore, the potential for export to Northern Hemisphere markets midway through their year is an additional incentive for import replacement and export growth.
Overall, the combination of suitable growing regions, industry resources, and market demand positions Australia well to reduce its reliance on imported hazelnuts and develop a robust local industry.
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Australian hazelnut production
Australia currently imports most of its hazelnuts, bringing in around 2,500 to 3,500 tonnes of hazelnut products annually, primarily from Turkey. However, there is a growing interest in cultivating hazelnuts locally, with about 60 Australian growers producing nearly 1,000 tonnes of hazelnuts, particularly in cooler climates such as Tasmania, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, Orange in New South Wales, and northeast Victoria. In 2024, Australia's hazelnut production reached approximately 544 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, valued at $5.5 million.
Hazelnuts thrive in the temperate areas of southeastern Australia, especially in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria, near Myrtleford. They are also grown in central and eastern Victoria and increasingly in Tasmania, with smaller levels of production in South Australia and Western Australia. The trees require a cool winter to break the dormancy of their flowering and vegetative buds, and successful pollination depends on genetic compatibility and suitable flowering and pollen release times.
The hazelnut industry in Australia is supported by organisations like Hazelnut Growers of Australia, which offers resources and guidance to growers. The Hazelnut Growers Handbook, written by Lester Snare, is a comprehensive guide for hazelnut production in the country. Additionally, the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook provides valuable insights into the industry.
While there is potential for import replacement and export opportunities, challenges exist. Australia's hazelnut industry is relatively small, with less than 75 hectares of hazelnut trees planted commercially. Furthermore, the long-term climate in certain regions, such as southern NSW, may not be conducive to hazelnut farming, as seen with the Ferrero Group's decision to discontinue their farm in Narrandera. However, the demand for locally grown hazelnuts remains high, especially among restaurants, confectioners, and patisseries that value the fresh taste of Australian hazelnuts.
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Frequently asked questions
Hazelnuts are grown in the cooler, southern parts of Australia, particularly in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, around Orange, Narrandera, and northeast Victoria, around Myrtleford. They are also grown in Tasmania, with some production in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Adelaide Hills.
Australia produced about 544 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts in 2024, valued at $5.5 million. However, the country imports around 2,500-3,500 tonnes of hazelnuts annually, mainly from Turkey, to meet domestic consumption demands.
Yes, one challenge is that Australia's climate in some regions is not always conducive to hazelnut farming. For example, the Ferrero Group, the company behind Ferrero Rocher and Nutella, decided to stop growing hazelnuts at its farm in southern NSW due to the long-term climate being unsuitable.
Growing hazelnuts in Australia offers the opportunity for import replacement and the development of an export crop. Australian hazelnuts are sought-after by local businesses due to their fresh taste compared to imported products. Additionally, Australia's strict quarantine laws and low pest and disease prevalence allow for reduced use of herbicides and pesticides in hazelnut production.
Hazelnuts thrive in cool climates with an average annual rainfall of over 600 mm. They require well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and a cool winter to break the dormancy of flowering and vegetative buds. Successful pollination also requires genetic compatibility and suitable flowering and pollen release times.
