The role of the Industry Development manager (IDM) is to collect, collate and interpret information on Best Management Practice of walnuts from national and international sources, to assist in the review and updating of the Australian Walnut Industry Association (AWIA) Strategic Plan for 2008-2012 and to assist host the 6th International Walnut Symposium (external link) to be held in Melbourne in February 2009.
The IDM role operates on the basis of one day per week (Fridays) mainly taken up by work on the AWIA Strategic Plan, a review of the Quality Management Guide, attending Walnut Symposium Committee meetings as well as the general business of telephone and Email enquiries from AWIA members, potential members and the public on a weekly basis.
Water
Improved water use efficiency can create substantial cost savings as well as enhance tree performance. Another activity of the IDM involves using a spreadsheet model developed by the DPI to predict tree water use and schedule irrigation based on climatic data. The model is particularly relevant in drought years and is presently the best tool to help make a theoretical prediction of tree water use and then compare it with actual water use.
Strategic Plan
The strategic plan includes a vision, a mission statement, a SWOT analysis as well as listing the priorities for research and development (R&D).
A first draft of the strategic plan has been completed and circulated to the AWIA Executive for acceptance. The strategic plan will help give an accurate picture of where the walnut industry is at present and its potential for future growth. The strategic plan is designed to be a living document to be reviewed and evolve over time. |  | | | Relevant Nut Links
Walnut research reports (external link)
Australian Walnut Industry Association (AWIA) (external link)
Nuts for Life (external link)
Information Notes
Walnut Inspection |
