Almond growers choose security in numbers to stave off economic worries

One ​​of Australia's leading almond processors has completed a multi-million dollar expansion to meet the growing almond market and support its member-owned cooperative operation.

Highlights: AlmondCo has completed a multi-million dollar expansion that includes a new processing facility and warehouse The co-op has over 80% of Australia's almond growers as members. The expansion is expected to create 25 new jobs and help the co-op process 50,000 tons of almonds by 2025

AlmondCo uses new Spanish machinery to explore value-added products and utilize the whole almond product.

This comes as member-owned businesses see renewed interest as a model of agribusiness in Australia.< /p>

AlmondCo is one of around 1,700 cooperatives across the country and although it accounts for a majority of Australian almond exports, it is made up of smaller players.

Lyrup almond producer Simon Vause said he and his wife started with stone fruit before moving on to almonds.

"When we started growing almonds, it was a godsend that [the cooperative] was there because they could take care of the processing, marketing and sale of the product," he said. .

"We are producers who supply, but we also own shares in the company, and we have a say in the direction of the company."

Simon Vause says that processing, packaging and marketing is a whole other job apart from growing the produce. (ABC Riverland: Eliza Berlage)

The almond grower said he was excited about the warehouse's recent expansion and what new technology could mean for the Australian almond market.

"What struck me was that every piece of almond can be used. There is no waste.", said said Mr. Vause.

"They are now even considering using the skin."

Safety in numbers

Melina Morrison, Director General of the Co-operatives and Mutuals Business Council, said there had been renewed interest in the power of member-owned businesses in a difficult economic environment.

The member-owned cooperative accounts for over 80% of Australia's almond exports. (ABC Riverland: Eliza Berlage)

"Co-ops are so good in times of crisis. They're really good in good times, but they really come into their own when we're faced with changing markets," Ms. Morrison said.