New macadamia industry survey to explore growers’ challenges and goals

Macadamia farmers are being invited to have their say about their challenges and business goals as growers face an increasingly competitive global market.

Southern Cross University has partnered with the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) to conduct a survey of all macadamia growers in the Northern Rivers.

The online survey and a series of focus groups will inform the research project, ‘Understanding the social demographics and business aspirations of Australian macadamia growers’. The project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Limited using the macadamia industry levy, voluntary contributions from industry and matched funds from the Australian Government.

Lead investigator is Dr David Lloyd from the School of Environment, Science and Engineering with the assistance of PhD students Kerrie Stimpson and Hanabeth Luke.

“We are trying to get an understanding of the motivations of macadamia farmers. There is almost 100 fold difference between the best producer and the worst producer,” said Dr Lloyd.

Macadamia production occurs from Bundaberg (Qld) in the north to Coffs Harbour (NSW) in the south. The Northern Rivers of NSW is the single largest macadamia production region in Australia, producing approximately half of the total national crop.

Dr Lloyd said the survey was designed to identify the key challenges and aspirations of growers ahead of an industry restructure package funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).

“To help ensure that this region remains a major macadamia production area well into the future, it is important that industry understands key issues faced by growers in order to best meet the needs of the diverse groups and individuals in this region.

“In Australia approximately 40 per cent of macadamia farmers are past retirement age. We want them to tell us, for example, if they are seeking assistance in selling their farms or assistance in increasing production.”

The online survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

“It is an opportunity to make a greatly valued contribution to AMS planning for the next 10 years,” said Ms Stimpson.

“If you are the owner of a macadamia orchard I encourage you to take the time to invest in your industry by completing the online survey.”

Survey participants do not have to be a member of the Australian Macadamia Society.

Growers will also be invited to participate in a series of focus groups to discuss their needs and aspirations in greater detail.

To access the survey, go to https://scuau.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3t6zC7YlkIZmDGJ

Or email Kerrie Stimpson at kerrie.stimpson@scu.edu.au

The survey closes Friday September 20.

Photo: Dr David Lloyd.