Pest READI Team at AusMac 2024:

Insights and Innovations from the Macadamia Industry’s Annual Gathering

Our Pest READI team recently attended AusMac2024, the Australian Macadamia Society’s annual conference held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. This dynamic event brought together industry leaders, researchers, and growers from across the country to share knowledge, address challenges, and discuss the future of macadamia production in Australia. Representing Pest READI were Tracey Steinrucken (CSIRO), Zakeel Mohamed Cassim (CSIRO), and Saleh Adnan (NSW DPIRD), who presented posters in the Research Hub, as well as Paul Melloy (CSIRO), David Hinchley (Jagun Alliance), and Scott Wallace (Hort 360). Here are some key takeaways from the event.

A Thriving Industry with Growing Potential

The conference kicked off with Tristan Kitchener’s opening remarks, setting a tone of optimism for Australia’s macadamia industry. As Australia’s fourth-largest horticultural export, macadamia farming spans 42,000 hectares with about 800 growers nationwide. With 75% of production exported to over 40 countries, the industry anticipates significant growth, supported by 15,000 new plantings in the past five years. It was inspiring to see the role that regions like the Northern Rivers, Bundaberg, and Gympie play in this expanding sector.

Understanding Macadamia’s Global Market

Stefan Vogel’s macroeconomic perspective provided valuable insights into how changing consumer demographics impact the demand for macadamias. He highlighted the need for adaptive marketing strategies to appeal to a younger generation with different values, emphasising the importance of storytelling to enhance product appeal. While there is strong consumer interest in sustainability, translating this into willingness to pay remains a challenge, opening up opportunities to differentiate macadamias on values as much as value.

Enhanced Carbon Reporting and Monitoring

The conference encouraged growers to get a head start on carbon monitoring and reporting, a topic of increasing importance across the agricultural sector. By beginning this process early, growers can position themselves to benefit from emerging carbon markets and respond proactively to evolving consumer and regulatory expectations around environmental stewardship.

Insights from Global Production: A South African Perspective

A fascinating session on international macadamia production included insights from South Africa, with Luke Dunstone sharing his experiences. As one of the world’s leading producers with approximately 80,000 hectares in production, South Africa faces its own unique challenges, from pests to infrastructure. Dunstone emphasised the importance of diversifying varieties to spread risk and discussed the strategies used to manage pests like stinkbugs and felted coccid, providing valuable perspectives on how Australian growers might anticipate and mitigate similar issues.

Orchard Management for Resilience

Effective orchard management was a recurring theme, with speakers like Andrew Cole highlighting best practices to ensure orchard resilience. From canopy management and optimising sunlight exposure to maintaining soil health through organic compost and fertiliser, these strategies aim to improve yield consistency. Emphasising the need for precision and timing, especially in light of unpredictable weather, Cole underscored that successful macadamia farming is about adapting to regional specifics and leveraging innovation, such as the SWARM automation initiative, to enhance efficiency.

Innovations in Pollination

Pollination remains a critical component of successful macadamia farming, and Chris Cannizzaro’s insights were especially pertinent. He outlined how macadamias rely heavily on cross-pollination, with a mix of honeybees, native bees, beetles, and flies playing key roles depending on the region. Cannizzaro shared innovative ideas for improving pollination rates, from interplanting different varieties to encouraging bee-friendly environments with strategic planting and minimal pesticide use on bush edges.

Nutrient Management for Optimal Yield

The conference also delved into advanced nutrient management practices, with Theunis Smit presenting research on how specific nutrients like calcium and zinc can positively impact yield. Smit’s emphasis on “ionomics”—the careful balancing of nutrients to optimise plant health and productivity—was particularly insightful. By fine-tuning nutrient profiles based on leaf and soil testing, growers can maximise efficiency and avoid over-reliance on traditional nitrogen and phosphorus inputs.

Future-Proofing Through Data and Technology

Emily Grieve, Miriam King, Andy Clarke and Patrick McClelland explored the role of data and technology in future-proofing the industry. From satellite imagery for yield forecasting to crisis management strategies, these tools offer growers valuable insights and enhanced resilience in an uncertain climate. The use of biochar, smart spraying technology, and Earth observation data showcased the innovative ways in which the industry is preparing for challenges ahead.

Looking Forward

Attending AusMac2024 provided our Pest READI team with a wealth of knowledge and new perspectives. The diverse approaches and technological advances presented underscore the vibrancy and adaptability of the macadamia industry. As we continue our work in the Northern Rivers region, these insights will be invaluable in shaping sustainable, resilient, and forward-thinking practices in pest and disease management for macadamia, and other industries.