AGRICULTURE NEWS - The South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) has released an updated crop forecast, which anticipates the 2016 season to yield 39 000t of nuts in shell (NIS), with a kernel moisture content of 1,5%.
The new estimate is 15% lower than the 2015 season of 46 000t, and 4 000t fewer than the previous estimate of 43 000t.
The drought has affected South African growers more than expected, with many role players indicating a 20% decline in production. Compared to the 2015 season, some areas are down 50% in production.
Walter Giuricich, SAMAC’s chairperson, attributed the lower expected volumes to higher nut drop, and smaller-sized nuts.
