Bumper crop forecast for macadamia’s
THIS year is proving to be a cracking one for the macadamia industry.
The 2018 crop was estimated to reach 44,500 tonnes at 3.5 per cent moisture, however recent numbers released by the Australian Macadamia Society have forecast it to reach 47,500 tonnes in-shell.
The AMS said the increased numbers were thanks to favourable harvest conditions and minimal rain interruption.
“The additional Australian supply will be welcomed by the global market, and in fact most of it has already been contracted,” said AMS CEO Jolyon Burnett. Bundaberg-based grower Geoff Chivers’ finger wheel and sweep harvesters ran through his orchid one last time two weeks ago to conclude his 2018 season. “We produced around 150 tonnes, which was slightly down on last year,” he said. “We had a super-cell storm on Melbourne Cup day in 2017 and wet weather at the beginning of harvest so that brought our numbers down a bit.
“But despite that, it was quite a good yield.”
He said demand for the tree nut continues to grow.
“They’re seen as a very healthy product,” he said.
“As the industry grows there are new countries and new markets for them.
“The world market is so strong at the moment we can’t supply for the demand that’s out there.”
Mr Chivers said the high numbers were good for the industry.