SA’s profitable macadamia production set to soar

As a leading global macadamia nut producer and exporter, the South African macadamia industry is forecast to reach about US$4,5 billion (R79 billion) in value terms by 2024.

This was according to Elekanyani Nekhavhambe, agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, who added that in recent years macadamia nut production had become the most profitable and viable segment of the agriculture sector.

‘ THE NUTS’ HEALTH BENEFITS DRIVE DEMAND’

Nekhavhambe said that in many areas of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape, farmers had started to replace other crops with macadamia orchards, or were expanding production of the nuts, due to the strong export demand for the crop.

Nekhavhambe said an analysis of the industry by Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) had indicated that

engaging young people on the opportunities in the sector is one of her top priorities.

“One of the hardest challenges I encounter is being young, black and female. Transformation is moving at a slow pace. The face of the industry has always been male, so amidst everything else I want to change perceptions about women in agriculture,” she says.

Despite these difficulties, Mbokane believes that the number of young people in the sector is increasing as they discover the diversified opportunities available.

New online technology is also making the sector more attractive, as it lowers risk, improves efficiency, and cuts down on labour.

wide-ranging assistance

FarmSol supports more than 520 emerging farmers under the SAB farmer development initiative. They are provided with training, tailored-made mentorship support, production inputs, funding at zero percent interest, and a guaranteed offtake agreement with SAB.

FarmSol has 120 farmers growing barley, oats, canola and wheat under the programme in the 2020 winter season alone.

• Phone FarmSol on 011 480 8592.