Increase for Australian macadamia crop

The 2016 Australian macadamia crop has been forecast at 46,750 tonnes in shell at 3.5% moisture, representing a 4% increase in production from 2015 reports the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS).

The AMS has transitioned crop reporting from 10% to 3.5% moisture content weights to better align with the moisture content at which the crop is traded.

Jolyon Burnett, chief executive for the Australian Macadamia Society, says global demand for both kernel and in shell remains strong, and predicts continued steady growth in all markets. Global supply is predicted to be steady and on par with 2015.

She said the Australian macadamia crop is looking solid in all major growing regions, growing conditions have been relatively favourable, and kernel quality expectations are good.

“We are seeing the results of the recent high levels of investment in productivity by growers,” says Burnett.

“Improved practices in integrated orchard management have led to better soil and tree health, and delivered yields of 2.9t/ha in 2015 and revitalised many orchards.

“Again, our growers have invested significant time and resources into this crop, and have begun the long harvest season with optimism,” concludes Burnett.

The Australian macadamia harvest starts in February/March, and continues for up to six months, with the last nuts collected from orchard floors in August/September.

The industry forecast is provided from modelling developed over seven years by the AMS and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and historical data provided by the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA).

The model works on yield curves developed from historical records and incorporates tree number and age, varieties, climatic data for the growing season and pest and disease incidence. Historically, the model has provided forecasts with better than +/-8% accuracy.