Farmer strives to improve reputation of pecans in Queensland
A Queensland pecan farmer, whose nuts are sold all over the world, is expanding her on-farm cracking…A Queensland pecan farmer, whose nuts are sold all over the world, is expanding her on-farm cracking facility in a bid to improve their reputation at home.
Michelle Chicken took over the 10,000-tree orchard next door to her family's beef cattle property in Mundubbera in a bid to diversify their business.
Her Boyne River Pecans have been sold through Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest supplier, all over the world, but Ms Chicken said she wanted to see them in more local cafes and markets.
"The pecan nut traditionally has had a reputation for a bitter or a rank taste and it comes down to storage," she said.
"We would like to be able to show consumers, hey, this is what a nice sweet pecan that's freshly harvested actually tastes like.
She said she was expanding her on-farm cracking and shelling plant to sell to local retailers, cafes and restaurants in Queensland, while also keeping an eye on international markets.
The Australian Nut Industry Council estimates production of pecans in 2016 was 3,375 tonnes in shell, worth about $18.6 million, but that's expected to grow to more than 4,900 tonnes in shell worth $27 million by 2025.
