Industry: Hazelnuts
Gross value of production |
$1.0m |
Number of growers |
30 |
Number employed |
3 |
Current annual production |
200 tonnes |
Hectares |
30 |
1. Description of Product:
Hazelnuts shelled, or unshelled for domestic consumption plus some value added products, eg. smoked nuts.
2. Location of the Industry:
There are many very small growers and all would have alternative sources of income (farm or non farm). Regard 250 trees and above as a definition of commercial viability. Hazelnuts are grown in many parts of North East Region.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
Approximately 30 commercially viable producers, 80% have 3 acres or less. One grower has 2500 trees. Total acreage under production is 30-40 hectares.
b. Number Regularly Employed:
Difficult to estimate usual labour requirement as each farm unit operates separately and probably not at maximum efficiency. However, a rough estimate of to 3 full time people required annually.
c. Harvest Requirements
Harvesting by hand is extremely labour intensive, as field preparation and drying, sorting, cracking, packaging are not fully mechanised. No estimate available. Use of family/friends etc to assist.
4. Annual Production:
The trees reach mature production after 15 years and to maintain full production require strenuous pruning. The yields are currently 2.2 tonnes/acre which is an annual industry production of 200 tonnes (in shell). Yields vary depending on variety, stage of maturity of the trees, and crop management.
5. Value of Product:
Uncracked nuts sell for $5/kg. Cracked nuts sell for $10/kg. Value added products sell for $12/kg. The gross value of the hazelnut crops is roughly $1million.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
This is not an opportunistic crop. Long term investment is required, however it is anticipated there will be a gradual increase in production as trees mature and over the next 5 years 15% growth in production per annum is anticipated.
b. Potential:
The potential for this industry lies in part in the adaptability of the crop to hilly regions, utilising contoured terrace planting regimens and maintaining the environment by slowing run off water and building soil on hills. All of this is achieved with an economic return.
Hazelnuts provide a substitute for animal protein.
Extracted from the Bright Report
