The Araluen valley has a long and rich agricultural and horticultural history beginning with the management and utilisation of the local plants and animals for thousands of years by the traditional owners, the Dhurga-speaking Arralyin people.
Colonial occupation of the valley commenced around 1835 when several cattle leases were granted. The rich alluvial soils, derived from granite were found to be ideal for growing many types of crops, particularly fruit and vegetables.
The early settlers that moved into the valley needed to be self sufficient and planting food crops was essential to ensure survival. Battling the elements and protecting the crops from the native animals was an ongoing battle, which is still waged today. Kangaroos, wombats, possums, flying foxes and rabbits are always on the lookout for a good feed.
The discovery of gold in 1851 transformed the valley into a boom town with a huge increase in the population, all hoping to strike it rich. Many of the new arrivals would soon plant vegetables and fruit trees to supplement their provisions, as well as to sell or trade for other items.
Over the following years farming intensified. Crops under production included peas, beans, potatoes, maize as well as peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, citrus and grapes. Haymaking was being undertaken and barley was grown.
The Australian Town and Country Journal of Saturday, 7th March 1896 observed that ‘The Araluen Valley is well situated for the production of all kinds of semi tropical and temperature clime fruits … and hence the situation, climate, soil and aspect is all that can be desired for orchard and vineyard purposes.’
The beginning of the 1900s saw dairy farming expanding with fourteen diaries in operation using English cattle breeds. This led to the formation of the Araluen (sometimes referred to as Naughton’s) Cooperative Cheese Factory in which all the dairy farmers held shares.
Cattle and sheep production also increased in the 1900s with the popularity of various stock dictated by the marked returns. Drought or prolonged wet seasons also played an important role in the choice of stock to ensure the ongoing viability of farms.
By the 1920s the gold mining had run its course and many people had left the valley. As the lustre of gold faded, the stone fruit industry began to make a mark. Orchards of peaches as well as other fruit were being planned or expanded. By the 1930s produce was being supplied initially to the local markets like Braidwood, Goulburn and Canberra and then into the Sydney markets. The superior quality of the fruit from Araluen was acknowledged by the Department of Agriculture and was well known to the public. The Araluen peaches have a well-deserved reputation as some of the best available and as Jackie French noted in an article in the Canberra Times in 1987, ‘Peaches are the real gold of Araluen, more valuable by far than the elusive specks to be panned in the river.’
The introduction of the Araluen Farm Mechanisation Scheme in 1944 led to improved work practices due to the availability of modern machinery and equipment through a pool administered by the local Rural Co-operative Society.
Fruit and vegetable production continues in the valley today, as does sheep and cattle grazing and crop production.