• Charles Sturt University is leading a major five-year $2 million research program funded by AgriFutures Australia to optimise hazelnut production in Australia
• The research program 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
• Research to assist the Australian hazelnut industry to improve yields, quality and profitability will incentivise the current grower base to expand and investors will be attracted to join the industry

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

The Charles Sturt researchers are based in the Gulbali Research Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment and the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICFI).

Researchers, growers and wholesalers met recently at the 5,000-tree hazelnut 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 (pictured 2nd from left above) 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.

Hazelnuts also generate far less greenhouse gasses to produce compared with other foods.

Lead researcher Professor Gurr said 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,” Professor Gurr said.

“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 said the research program will address the most pressing issues facing current growers.

“The Australian Hazelnut Program of Research was guided by the Australian Hazelnut 2030 Strategic Blueprint in consultation with growers, industry body Hazelnut Growers of Australia, processors, agronomists and researchers,” she said.

“AgriFutures is focused on investing in research that makes a significant impact on industry growth and we’re confident that 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).

Read more about the AUSHAZ launch and the AgriFutures funding announcement.