OUR HISTORY
The ASN is a relatively new group with strong momentum. In a period of 15 years from an initial funding injection of $5,000 in 2003, the ASN has grown with members now all over the Wheatbelt, Northern Agricultural Region and the Great Southern in Western Australia.
The ASN has held workshops and field days in all these regions since forming which have been attended by over 500 people, produced and distributed 18 industry newsletters to over 1,000 people and vastly increased the coordination of this developing industry and enhanced grower cooperation and networking.
In January 2007, the name of the association was changed from the Avon Sandalwood Network to the Australian Sandalwood Network as a means of extending our association membership base and providing strong industry development and grower representation for the exciting emerging industry.
WAY FORWARD
The ASN is now addressing key industry development issues, through research, grower and industry support and partnership development with industry representatives. The ASN has completed a comprehensive business plan to drive the network and industry forward. In 2017 the Australian Sandalwood cooperative was formed to provide growers with an avenue for sale of sandalwood products to ensure consistency of quality and returns for growers ( link here )
In 2007 the ASN developed an extensive industry development plan for the sandalwood plantation industry in Western Australia, in partnership with key industry groups.