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And these were only the topics touched on before morning tea.
Much information was shared when Nambucca Valley macadamia growers met with their industry representatives at the Nambucca Heads RSL today (Tuesday)
Valla's Colin Kemp raised the issue of Essential Energy vehicles entering farms without proper attention to cleaning of wheels or machinery.
"They are a law unto themselves and there are the important issues of what seeds, bugs and chemicals they can potentially bring onto farms," Colin said.
Australian Macadamia Society CEO Jolyon Burnett said the organisation would look into it.
Mr Burnett told the Guardian News that crop forecasts for the year were looking good - at 53,500 tonnes, they are a little higher than last season.
"Australia grows about 30 per cent of the global crop but recently more and more trees are being planted in China, South Africa, Kenya and Vietnam … which is why it is so important that we aim to produce the highest quality crops," Mr Burnett said.
Nuts are harvested from the ground and some growers lose between 10 - 15 per cent of their crop by inefficient harvesting. A good grass can help that enormously
- Jolyon Burnett
The event focused on providing growers with information to increase productivity during harvest and updates on the latest research and development projects changing the face of the industry.
"We are looking at new types of fine leafed grasses that are shade tolerant and able to grow well under the trees. Nuts are harvested from the ground and some growers lose between 10 - 15 per cent of their crop by inefficient harvesting. A good grass can help that enormously."
Another development is the 20-year $10 million breeding program that is seeing trees bred for better yields, higher pest and disease resistance and more manageable canopies.
Marketing was also discussed with growers taste testing new products, such as biscuits, aimed at adding value to the nuts.
"We work to increase the use of macadamias as a food worldwide as well as targeting premium markets for the Australian kernel."