The Tubbo and Huddersfield almond orchards span 1,677 hectares and are operated by Global Ag Properties II Australia Pty Ltd and jointly managed by Nuveen Natural Capital and Agfield Services.

The Sustainability Award recognises and celebrates the outstanding efforts of a member of the Bee Friendly Farming program, which supports farmers and land managers to protect and promote the health of bees and other pollinators on their land.

Orchard General Manager Jamie Wilde leads Agfield Services and said since becoming Bee Friendly Farming Certified in 2022, the orchard teams have implemented proactive practices that support pollination efficiency and safeguard orchard productivity, yield quality and long-term resilience.

“Bee-friendly practices have helped with hive health and the bees’ performance during pollination,” Mr Wilde said.

Each orchard plants 500 native shrubs annually, establishing tree lines and habitats for beneficial insects, including lacewings and ladybeetles.

Mixed species cover crops are grown every winter to provide nutrition for bees and keep hives healthy throughout the season.

“Every investment in stronger and more sustainable pollination naturally flows into our orchards’ production results and overall financial returns,” Mr Wilde said.

Secure and sustainable pollination is essential to almond production, with most almonds grown in Australia dependent on insect pollination.

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said the Bee Friendly Farming program continues to gain momentum as more farmers invest in pollinator health.

“This year the program reached 50,000 hectares certified Bee Friendly Farming across Australia from almonds, macadamias, vegetables, vineyards, seeds, cropping, livestock, wool and mixed farming,” Ms Chambers said.

“As the program grows, selecting the Sustainability Award winner is becoming increasingly competitive, with so many producers championing pollinator-friendly practices.”

“The Tubbo and Huddersfield orchards stood out for their strong commitment to restoring native habitats and championing sustainable pollination practices across all levels of the operation.”

The orchard teams ensure all contractors and suppliers share the same dedication to pollinator-friendly practices.

“We work closely with reliable bee suppliers to maintain a consistent and high-quality hive supply from season to season,” Mr Wilde said.

Nuveen Natural Capital and Agfield Services also work closely together to maintain a strong focus on sustainability.

Nuveen Natural Capital is a land-focused asset management platform that manages a diversified portfolio of more than 70 quality farmland assets across Australia. 

Charlie Wagstaff of Nuveen Natural Capital said bee-friendly practices are a vital part of sustainable almond production.

“It’s very encouraging for our business that the Huddersfield and Tubbo orchards have been recognised for their dedication to sustainable pollination practices,” Mr Wagstaff said. 

“Jaime and his team’s efforts are a testament to the leadership and forward thinking needed to secure sustainable pollination for the future success of our orchards and the Australian almond industry.”

Bee Friendly Farming launched in Australia in 2021 and is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Additional funding has been provided by Flow Hive, Australian Almonds and Equity Trustees, with in-kind support from the National Farmers’ Federation, Rotarians for Bees and One Tree Planted.

Read more about the Bee Friendly Farming Sustainability Award here. Learn more about the program here.