Cracker harvest anticipated for Tasmanian walnut industry

All signs are pointing to a positive harvest for a pair of Tasmanian walnut growers.

Tasmania produces around 1800 metric tonnes of walnuts each year and makes up 22 per cent of Australia’s production volume.

Coaldale Walnuts owner Sophie Millic said they expected to wrap up their harvest in Early May.

“The size of the nuts is looking really good, and we’re hoping it will be excellent,” Ms Millic said.

“We’re still waiting to see what happens once we finish off, but it’s looking positive.”

At nearby Richmond Walnuts, owner Amber Smith said they are around a quarter through their harvest.

“For all intents and purposes, it looks like it’s probably one of our best years yet,” Ms Smith said.

“For us, it’s a matter of mechanics now – getting everything off the ground before it stays there too long.

“The sizes might be smaller because we didn’t have a heap of sun in the summer months, but we’re looking at a pretty good harvest.”

Both Coaldale Walnuts and Richmond Walnuts say they are about two weeks behind in their harvests.