The 2017 Australian macadamia crop is forecast to reach 54,000 tonnes in-shell at 10 per cent moisture - representing a fourth consecutive year of steady growth for the industry - announced the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) this week.
The 2017 crop is expected to be 4 per cent higher than the record 2016 crop, with the Bundaberg and Northern Rivers growing regions predicted to increase production despite dry growing conditions.
Production in South East Queensland may fall slightly, with some non-irrigated orchards affected by the dry conditions.
AMS Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett attributes the continued growth to the sustained investment into orchards by Australian macadamia growers over the last four to five years.
He says the growth in supply is commensurate with the continued strong growth in demand for Australian-grown macadamias.
“The Australian industry will continue to be a consistent reliable supplier into the future due to this investment and plans for further orchard expansion in many regions,” says Mr. Burnett.
Australian production has steadily grown since 2014 when it was 43,600 at 10pc moisture (40,700 at 3.5pc moisture).
“We are seeing the results of continued investment by growers into industry-wide productivity practices like Integrated Orchard Management, which leads to better soil and tree health and higher yields,” says Mr. Burnett.
Mr. Burnett says substantial new plantings and the establishment of several large new orchards, many in new growing areas, stand the industry in good stead for the future.
“These orchards will come into full production approximately seven years after planting,” says Mr. Burnett.
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 +/- 8pc accuracy.
The first estimate of the crop based on actual receivals by participating handlers will be released in July 2017. A further report will be provided in August 2017 and the final figure for the 2017 crop will be announced by the AMS in late November 2017.
Bundaberg macadamia growers will host Queensland Country Life’s second Food Heroes forum next week.
