Our Mission is to launch a co-operative for the native Australian Sandalwood nut and timber industry.

The Australian Sandalwood Network is an active growers group dedicated towards developing the native Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) plantation industry Australia wide. Our main focus is to support private native sandalwood growers and drive the plantation industry forward and take native Australian Sandalwood to the international stage.

The ASN Inc currently has over 40 members, the majority of whom are primary producers and sandalwood growers from the WA wheatbelt. However, members also include industry, natural resource management and research representatives.

The ASN has realised there's a series of problems that are holding the industry back, some of these include;

• Connecting buyers with Sellers
  At the moment there's no central point of contact for Aussie Sandalwood buys to source raw materials. Buyers looking for larger quantities would need to speak with many different farmers and arrange multiple deals, costing time and money. On the other hand, Growers need assurance that the price they're selling at the highest possible price. 
• Develop an inventory of private plantations, their quality and quantity.
  At present very little is factually known about the private sandalwood crop. The ASN would like to compile this information in order to understand where the industry is at and where it might be heading. This will give us some idea of supply that will come on stream in 5,10 and 20 years time.
• Develop an industry standard grading system for supply chain assurance
  A grading standard for plantation wood, given that the quality of plantation wood in the future may vary considerably from “wild wood”. In order to provide a consistent quality product that preserves and enhances the industry’s reputation as the worlds’ leading supplier of sustainable, ethical and environmentally responsible product, an industry wide standard would be an advantage. Growers would also benefit by knowing what they are producing and understanding the value of their product.
• The strengthening and expansion of the nut industry.
  There is demand for sandalwood spicatum nuts. Prices range from $4.50 to $3.00 kg delivered clean. At present this demand appears limted, yet it has not been met. Debate continues as to what an economicly viable price for the wholesale nut is, as well as to what demand for the nut can be achieved. But the fact remains that there is a market for native Australian sandalwood nuts at present. Consideration needs to be given to the long term future for the nut and its place in the cultivated Australian sandalwood industry.

In order to overcome these issues, Sandalwood growers, value-adders and stake holders Australia wide need to work together via a structured and mediated channel. We believe the fairest and most democratic structure to serve the best interest of all growers of all sizes is a Co-Operative.

 Starting this co-operative will give growers voting rights on projects, access to information and events through a trusted central and grower lead organisation. So become a part of the movement and pledge now by clicking here.

We're recieveing support from the pilot program Farming Together, who are resourcing the fundraiser and establishment of the co-op;

Meet the Team behind the new Co-Op

Support from Farming Together will cover the legal and establishment fees associated with starting the co-operative. As for the $10k raised via this fundraiser, we will be giving new members a chance to vote on the first project undertaken out of the options below.

The vote on the first project undertaken by the co-op will be counted during the pledge to this fundraising campaign. The outcome is decided based simply on the highest absolute number of votes to any given cause (one vote per person regardless of amount donated). It needs to be known that the option voted on won't always be the most favoured option by every supporter. It's impossible for everyone to get exactly what they want, and this could become a challenge for the team and members. 

It's important to always keep the bigger picture in mind and realise there will be plenty more projects in the pipeline.