Australia’s 2021 macadamia crop forecast has been revised following weather events in key New South Wales growing regions.
The latest estimate puts the crop at 48,500 tonnes in-shell at 3.5 per cent moisture (52,000 tonnes at 10 per cent moisture), down 4.5 per cent on the 50,770 tonnes forecast in February (54,440 tonnes at 10 per cent moisture).
Jolyon Burnett, chief executive of the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), said the reduction is a direct result of severe storms experienced by New South Wales growers in recent months, which caused crop loss in many parts of the state.
“Australia’s east coast experienced extreme and prolonged rainfall during March and April, causing widespread flooding in New South Wales, and associated harvest delays, orchard and infrastructure damage,” said Burnett.
“The mid north coast growing region, in particular Nambucca, was the most heavily impacted.”
Burnett said more than 50 per cent of Australia’s 2021 macadamia crop had been collected.
“Notwithstanding the extreme conditions, most regions are reporting a good quality crop,'Burnett explained.
“All growing regions are at different stages of harvest, with Bundaberg, Australia’s largest macadamia producer, out in front, having now delivered 80 per cent of its crop.”
The latest Australian macadamia industry crop estimate is based on forecast intake provided by the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA) to the end of May. The AMHA represent 90 per cent of production in Australia.
A further crop report will be provided in September, with the final figure for the 2021 crop to be announced by the AMS in early December.
