Australian macadamia growers have produced a 2021 crop of 51,500 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5% moisture (55,200 tonnes in-shell @ 10% moisture), announced the peak industry body, the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) today.
This represents a 10% increase on the 2020 crop of 46,900 @ 3.5% moisture (50,300 @ 10%).
Severe weather in NSW growing regions earlier in the year had caused crop loss in some parts of the state, and the industry had revised its original forecast down to 48,500 tonnes @ 3.5% moisture (52,000 tonnes @ 10%) in July.
However AMS CEO Jolyon Burnett said despite the drop in the NSW crop, Queensland growers experienced a comparatively good season, with favourable weather and good harvest conditions.
“Growers in South-East Queensland had a particularly good year with no adverse weather conditions and experiencing higher yields than in 2020,” said Mr. Burnett.
“In addition, the final crop figure was positively impacted by new plantings (predominantly in Bundaberg and the Clarence Valley) coming into production earlier than anticipated.”
“The quality of the crop this year was very good, with low levels of reject, and nut size returned to a more normal range.”
Preparation for the 2022 season is now well underway, and all regions have experienced excellent flowering and good levels of rain at the right time.
The 2021 crop is based on actual factory receipts of the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA) until the end of November.
The AMHA represents over 90% of all the macadamia crop in Australia.
