Australian macadamia industry plans to remain world leader

Macadamia industry experts from all major macadamia growing regions – Bundaberg, Gympie, Glass House Mountains, Northern Rivers and the NSW Mid North Coast – will gather in Brisbane this week to hear from global macadamia expert Alwyn Du Preez and a host of Australia’s best scientific researchers.

The experts (who specialise in areas like agronomy, pest & disease and horticulture) are attending the invite-only Australian macadamia industry event (Consultants Forum) to share ideas, listen to industry updates, learn about new scientific research, technology and the latest breakthroughs and innovations across all production practices.

They will learn about new developments in the fight to control key pests and diseases including the large new research program aimed at applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies crucial for continuing market access, productivity and profitability. as well as pioneering projects like the ‘Small Tree High Productivity’ project led by Dr. John Wilkie at the NSW DPI. This project is one of the biggest horticulture projects in years, and aims to boost crop yield per hectare by manipulating trees - dwarfing rootstock, pruning techniques, tree architecture and traditional breeding.

The experts will in turn disseminate the information to the nation’s 800+ macadamia growers, helping to ensure Australia remains the world leader in macadamia production, and achieve its aim of raising productivity from around 2.4 tons per hectare to 3.5 tons by 2018.

“Our industry is in a unique position that we can bring together the majority of these key industry experts/consultants every year at this important event to discuss innovation and improvement and how we as an industry stay ahead of the game,” says the Australian macadamia industry’s productivity development manager Robbie Commens.

“These experts connect directly with the majority of Australian macadamia growers on a daily basis and are a highly trusted source of information and knowledge for growers.

“Australian macadamia kernel is an extremely high standard, enjoying a first-class reputation both here and internationally. Events like this lay the groundwork for further growth, innovation and improvement, ensuring that the industry stays at the forefront of world production.”

Mr. Commens said one of the highlights of the 2018 event will be the information session about the new IPM project, funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the research and development macadamia levy and funds from the Australian government.

“Pest management strategies in the past have tended to prioritise a single pest species, however this project aims to deliver a strategic IPM program for a variety of pests found in macadamia orchards.

“This is a new collaborative approach to IPM, involving state departments (NSW DPI and QDAFF), universities, commercial operators, consultants and industry stakeholders.”

Mr. Commens said attendees are also looking forward to hearing from South African macadamia expert Alwyn Du Preez.

“Alwyn has an outstanding reputation in the global macadamia industry, and over a decade of experience in macadamia production in South Africa, including with leading South African processing company Golden Macadamias.”

Australia is the world leader in macadamia production, largely due to its strong investment in research & development and marketing, made possible by an across-industry levy.

“Projects like the ones that will be showcased at this event are absolutely essential for ensuring the macadamia industry remains a strong and successful industry now and into the future,” says Mr. Commens.

www.australian-macadamias.org