AECI Plant Health ready to support local macadamia growers

The South African macadamia industry has grown rapidly since the 1960s, becoming the leading producer of macadamia nuts in the world, exporting about 98% of its production.

The industry’s yearly production has increased significantly from R32-million in 1996 to about R4.6-billion in 2022.

From February 8 to 9, industry members will converge at macadamia processor AmberMacs’ annual Amermacs Macadamia Expo in White River, Mpumalanga, to take part in the biggest expo of its kind.

This year’s expo aims to benefit and support growers and suppliers by equipping them with the latest ideas and innovations in farming practices, technology, pest control, irrigation, dam building, pruning, harvesting and drying.

Visitors will also learn about the history of macadamia farming, the challenges faced by the industry and the potential for growth in the global market.

According to the South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC), last year’s crop of 77 532 tonnes exceeded the country’s 2022 crop of 68 840 tonnes by 12.6%. 

While the 2023 crop forecast decreased by 4 024 tonnes compared with the initial forecast at the beginning of last year, the adjustment was necessary owing to the challenges posed by excessive rainfall in the first quarter of the year in South Africa’s macadamia-growing regions, SAMAC CEO Lizel Pretorius said in an October press statement.

The country’s main macadamia growing areas are Levubu and Tzaneen, in Limpopo; Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, Malelane and Barberton in Mpumalanga; the North and South Coast and Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal; and the Western and Eastern Cape.

AECI Plant Health’s crop advisors are preparing to share valuable insights into agrichemical solutions that will help growers to ensure the lasting sustainability of the country’s macadamia nut farms.

Joining more than 180 exhibitors and several excellent guest speakers who will host a series of seminars and presentations, we aim to help the macadamia industry grow its production into the future. 

On day one, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn from Croplife will discuss the value of the AECI Plant Health Measure Smart Kit specifically with regard to GlobalG.A.P compliance, following an insightful presentation by agronomist Hantie Reed on regenerative agricultural practices being key to South Africa’s macadamia farming.

SAMAC says there are more than 700 macadamia nut farmers in South Africa, employing more than 10 000 permanent workers and 9 000 seasonal workers.

AECI Plant Health has the necessary countrywide network of experts and logistics to support these farmers. Come find us at stands 125 and 134 to hear how we can help you enhance agricultural performance by unlocking nature’s potential through solutions such as our NuWay® approach.