The Pistachio Growers Association, is the peak industry body for Australian pistachio growers. Commercial pistachio growing commenced in Australia in the early 1980’s following a successful breeding program by CSIRO, Merbein. The new variety Sirora was released and found well suited to the conditions of the River Murray valley. There are about 50 growers mainly located along the River Murray. Generally, those orchards that have survived the pistachio learning curve and long juvenile phase are doing well. The climate and soils have proven satisfactory for pistachio production. PGAI sponsors are: Toro, MEA and Peats Soils – see links below.