Know Thy Almonds

The almond industry in Australia is growing as this versatile food continues to become a household favourite. Although it’s a relatively small industry there are an increasing number of growers which is causing an increased level of competition, and it’s vital to choose your almonds wisely.

When shopping you will come across new labelling which is causing concern for Australian customers. Producers seeking the competitive advantage are adding new terms to their products to try and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Sadly however this is causing confusion in the market place and leading to unfavourable outcomes for those farmers doing the right thing for the earth and the customer.

‘Spray-free’, ‘pesticide-free’ and ‘herbicide-free’ labels are three that we have come across that have caused confusion for our customers.

What do they actually mean?

Well, the truth is we don’t know either. There is no standard, no policy and no details on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website or on Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website either. Basically it is a selling tactic that is leaving many customer misguided to what they are actually buying.

Does spray free mean, they didn’t spray the fruit or the weeds around the fruit? Did they spray the pests or is it completely spray free? We don’t know, and when you ask farmers you get different answers. So the belief that this food is grown to organic standards is hard to confirm.

And if it says pesticide free, does it mean herbicide are then being used and vice versa? One would assume so.

On the more the ethical side, there are organic almond farmers who follow strict standards with their practices. These ensure the highest quality product and the most favourable environmental results for the ecosystem that surrounds them. This is the only almond you will find coming into our stores. It’s clean, and its’ label is 100% reliable. We can confirm they’re healthy for you and your family, no questions asked.

We will not, and do not condone deceiving labelling that is causing confusion in the marketplace. Those wishing to take action on ceasing this deceiving labelling will write to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission voicing their concerns. You can do so by following the directions listed here.

Working towards a clean and healthy food future required participation from us all. So please choose organic almonds and know that your spending is supporting trustworthy farmers, our health and that of our environment.