The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has revised the 2024 macadamia crop forecast, with adverse weather conditions the primary factor. The updated forecast estimates production of 50,830 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (54,500 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture), down from the previous estimate of 56,000 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (60,000 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture).
Despite the 9% reduction from earlier projections, the revised forecast still anticipates a crop 5% larger than the previous year, with improvements in kernel recovery and nut size compared to 2023, and overall quality looking good.
Australian Macadamia Society CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate says for many growers the 2024 harvest season has again been challenging with prolonged heat and then extended wet weather, leading to yield losses across key growing regions.
“In Bundaberg, our largest macadamia growing region, harvest is nearing completion, but early indications suggest a slightly lower intake than initially forecast, with the crop impacted by prolonged heat earlier in the growing season ” she says.
“In most other growing regions, the wet conditions have significantly hindered growers, and many have only recently been able to get on farm to start their first harvest rounds. Some orchards still have areas that are inaccessible,” Ms Hamilton-Bate added.
The AMS will review the crop forecast again in September, with the final 2024 Australian macadamia crop figure to be announced in early December.
