Record crop for Australian macadamia growers
Australia’s macadamia growers have produced a record crop for the second consecutive year to reach 52,000 tonnes in shell at 10% moisture.
The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) said this compares to 48,600 tonnes in shell at 3.5% moisture last year. The 2016 Australia macadamia crop is slightly higher than the original forecast of 50,000 tonnes in shell at 10% moisture and represents an 8% increase on last year’s crop. Kernel production will remain on par with 2015 at 10,500t.
For the first time, the Bundaberg region has produced the single largest share of the nation’s macadamia nuts (more than 40%).
AMS CEO Jolyon Burnett says there are several reasons for the good result, including favourable weather conditions throughout the season and a longer than expected harvest ‘tail’ end.
“There have been no adverse weather events and good prices have made it economically viable for growers to complete additional harvest rounds,” explains Burnett.
“Growers devoted significant time and resources into this crop, investing heavily in productivity improvements in their orchards. This is now paying dividends in terms of production, and orchards are in good condition going into next season.”
He adds that while it is too early to accurately predict, indications to date are positive for another good Australian macadamia crop in 2017.
Global demand remains strong across the board for both kernel and in shell, and recent Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with South Korea, Japan and China are having a very positive impact.
Exports of Australian macadamias to Korea have increased by 150% since the FTA, and exports to Japan have increased by 18%.