Australia: Wet weather takes a toll on 2013 macadamia crop
As a result, the AMS has reviewed its forecast for the 2013 Australian crop down to 36,500 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture. Most growing regions were devastated by the ex-tropical cyclone Oswald storms in January and February, however many regions have since suffered the effects of even more wet weather.
It is estimated that 5,000 tonnes will be sold to China as in-shell leaving an in-take by Australian processors of 31,500 tonnes. Based on current sound kernel recoveries for the season, this will produce a kernel yield of 8,500 tonnes.
“The June forecast of 39,000 tonnes was based on historical data and factory intake to the end of May,” said AMS Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett. “What we have received for June and July has fallen well short of expectations.”
“This is a frustrating result at a time when global demand for macadamia kernel is strong. There is growing awareness of the health and beauty benefits of macadamias and their versatility as an ingredient in new products,” said Mr. Burnett.
The initial forecast is provided from modelling developed over 7 years by the AMS and the Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry and the AMS has added historical data provided by the Australian Macadamia Handlers (AMHA) to assist in the forecasting. The AMHA represent over 90% of total Australian production.
The final figure for the 2013 crop will be announced by the AMS in late November.
For further information:
Jolyon Burnett, CEO
Australian Macadamia Society
Tel: +61 416 224 935
Mobile: +61 2 6622 4933
or
Nyree Epplett |Communications Officer
Australian Macadamia Society
Email: [email protected]
www.australianmacadamias.org/industry
