The 2016 Australian macadamia crop is on track to reach 46,750 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5% moisture (50,000 tonnes in-shell @ 10% moisture) announced the peak industry body, the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) in its second forecast for the year.
Long periods of dry weather in the majority of growing regions has resulted in ideal harvest conditions for most growers, with deliveries to processors ahead of schedule. Approximately 80 per cent of the crop has now been harvested.
The available kernel is expected to be around 10,500t (similar to 2015), with NIS exports remaining stable at 25-30% of the crop.
Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett said production in the Bundaberg growing region has increased by a significant amount (10-20 per cent) this year, with South East Queensland and Nambucca in NSW also showing gains.
“Bundaberg production has increased as a result of new plantings coming into production and good growing conditions,” says Mr. Burnett.
“Northern Rivers is slightly down as a result of wet weather during flowering which impacted pollination and subsequent production.”
There has also been high insect pressure in growing regions this year which has contributed to some lost crop, and unsound kernel rates (USK) are higher compared to 2015.
Mr. Burnett says global demand for both kernel and in-shell remains strong, and predicts continued steady growth in all markets, especially Asia.
The Australian macadamia crop forecast represents a 4 per cent increase in production from 2015 (45,100 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture / 48,300 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture).
A further crop report will be provided in August 2016 and the final figure for the 2016 crop will be announced by the AMS in late November 2016.
This industry forecast is part of project ‘MC15009 Macadamia Crop Forecasting 2015-2018’ which has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the macadamia industry levy and funds from the Australian Government.
For more information:
Jolyon Burnett -CEO
Australian Macadamia Society
Mob: 0416 224 935
Tel: 1800 262 426 (Aust), +61 2 6622 4933