ALMOND production is expected to rise 26 per cent next year as more young plantings reach maturity, according to the latest forecast from the Almond Board of Australia.
ABA chief executive Julie Haslett said next season's crop was predicted to yield 46,100 tonnes, compared with this year's 36,500 tonnes.
"The production of Australian almonds will continue to increase as young plantings reach full maturity and it is expected to reach 80,000 tonnes by 2015," she said.
"This represents a value greater than $500 million."
Ms Haslett said the extra supply would help the industry service current strong demands from key export markets such as India, which is Australia's largest export market, accounting for 40 per cent of trade.
The ABA recently hosted its annual trade visit to India, meeting key Indian almond traders and distributors, as well as representatives from the Australian High Commission.
"The news of Australia's increased production estimate was well received by the Indian trade, as demand for Australia's high-quality almonds has never been greater," Ms Haslett said.
"Almonds are an integral part of India's cultural heritage and are given as a prestigious gift during festive periods and weddings."
Ms Haslett said several major Indian importers had confirmed they would attend next year's Australian Almond Marketing Forum, to be held in Melbourne during March.
Australia's experience with drought was on the agenda of last week's 37th Annual Almond Industry Conference in the US.
The topic was part of a panel discussion about water management from different global perspectives and the key role of irrigation scheduling for top yields, crop quality and food safety.
Researchers also rolled out a pollination modelling tool being developed to help growers decide strength and number of hives needed under various orchard and weather scenarios.
California is the world's biggest producer and exporter of almonds, harvesting about 635,000 tonnes this year and accounting for 80 per cent of global production.
