The Australian macadamia crop is on track to reach 49,340 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5% (52,900 tonnes in-shell @ 10% moisture).
The original crop forecast of 54,930 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5% (58,900 tonnes in-shell @ 10% moisture) was reduced by 10% in late April following severe weather and flooding in NSW and South East Queensland.
Harvest was delayed in many growing regions, including the Northern Rivers, which was hardest hit, however conditions have improved in recent months.
“Fortunately, sustained dry weather in the Northern Rivers in June and July has allowed growers to get back onto their orchards, and harvest activity in this region has really ramped up,” says AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate.
The Australian macadamia harvest is nearing completion, with 90% of the crop now collected.
The largest macadamia producing region of Bundaberg (which accounts for around 46% of Australia’s crop) was not impacted by the severe weather and growers in this region have all but finished harvest.
“Across Queensland, generally crop yield is up. The increase in crop from Bundaberg is in line with expectations, given new plantings in recent years in this region.”
Ms Hamilton-Bate says overall quality has been very good with low rejects and higher than expected kernel recoveries in all growing regions.
“This is a pleasing result, especially considering the severe weather and very challenging conditions many growers have faced.”
The final figure for the 2022 Australian macadamia crop will be announced by early December.
