The 2020 Australian macadamia crop will exceed expectations, announced the industry’s peak body, the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS).

The crop is now forecast to reach 42,000 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (45,000 tonnes at 10% moisture), 15% higher than the original estimate of 36,500 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (39,000 tonnes at 10% moisture).

“Growing regions impacted most by unprecedented dry conditions have generally performed better than anticipated” says AMS CEO Jolyon Burnett.

“The majority of the crop has now been harvested, and the quality of nuts is very good despite the drought conditions leading into the season.”

Mr Burnett added that substantial rainfall in January in all growing regions had helped to ease the extreme conditions.

“Throughout the season, growers continued to focus on improving their orchard floor management, which is integral to managing soil moisture. This investment in soil health helped to maintain trees during the drought.”

The latest Australian macadamia industry crop estimate is based on forecast intake provided by the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA) to the end of September. The AMHA represent 97.5% of production in Australia.

The final figure for the 2020 crop will be announced by the AMS in early December.