In Australia, while almonds have thrived in the warm inland regions, pecans are emerging as a promising crop, particularly in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. However, South Australia's Riverland is witnessing a unique commitment to this nut. Dave Otto de Grancy, a local grower, transitioned to pecan cultivation following a severe frost that damaged his citrus and vineyard crops. This shift was inspired by the resilience of a pecan tree on his property.
De Grancy sorts, dries, and pre-cracks the pecans on-site / Image Dave Otto de Grancy
Despite challenges such as isolation and high water requirements, Otto de Grancy leveraged online resources and familial connections in the U.S. to establish his orchard. Pecan trees, native to the Mississippi region in the U.S., have now been successfully cultivated in the Riverland, with Otto de Grancy's farm producing organic pecans that have found a niche market. A significant portion of his produce is sold to a gelato company in Adelaide, which incorporates them into a maple syrup gelato. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to utilizing local produce and promoting a slow food philosophy.
Source: abc.net.au