The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) is the peak industry body for the Australian macadamia industry and a key driving force behind the industry’s global leadership. Regarded as one of Australia’s strongest horticultural organisations, we represent more than 700 individual and business members, and our grower members are responsible for more than 85% of Australia’s macadamia production. As well as growers, our membership base includes representatives all the way along the supply chain including nurseries, consultants and researchers, processing companies and marketers, and commercial suppliers.

Established in 1974, our objectives have remained largely unchanged - to promote and coordinate all aspects of the burgeoning Australian macadamia industry, facilitate the exchange of information and ideas and foster goodwill. Our main focus is to help growers improve their productivity and profitability and build long term sustainable farming businesses. We are also strong advocates on the issues that influence and affect our members - actively lobbying government and authorities on issues like disaster relief, local environment plans, vegetation guidelines, coal seam gas, tariff reductions and backpacker tax.

Through collaboration with industry, we have successfully driven the industry’s levy-funded research & development extension plan, market development and communications strategies for more than three decades, helping Australia to stay at the forefront of the global industry. We’re also actively involved in protecting and conserving Australia’s rare wild macadamia trees through the endangered species recovery plan called Wild About Macadamias, and are trustee for the Macadamia Conservation Trust. In more recent years, as our industry undergoes substantial expansion, we’ve taken on a significant role in promoting the industry to potential new growers and investors and taken responsibility for ensuring new entrants have the information and contacts they need to build strong businesses. As the industry grows, we continue to strengthen our ties with the communities in which our members operate, supporting local events and activities, working closely with local Councils and helping our members to carry out their operations in harmony with surrounding landholders.

About the AMS Board Members

Mark Napper has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Australian agribusiness, financial management, strategic planning and was previously deputy chair of Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd. He owns and operates a business advisory firm specialising in food and agribusiness.

Henrik Christiansen GAICD has been working in the agribusiness sector for over 25 years and has a background in fresh produce and FMCG including macadamia processing and marketing. He currently produces macadamias in Central Queensland and is a member of the Australian Macadamia Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP).

Robbie Commens is currently managing director of 2te, a macadamia management company based in the Northern Rivers region, NSW. Previously he managed the Australian macadamia industries’ research and development program for the AMS.

Andrew Leslie has an extensive background in the macadamia industry and is an active grower in the Alstonville NSW region. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Michael McMahon has been part of the horticulture industry in the Bundaberg region since 2003 and moved into the macadamia industry in 2018. He has managed large farms and businesses and served as Director on the Board of Citrus Australia as well as other committees.

Andrew Waddell is currently Sustainable Business Development Manager for Stahmann Webster, Chair of the Australian Macadamias Marketing Committee and is a member of the Australian Nut Industry Council. Based on the Toowoomba region, QLD, he brings valuable industry insight to the AMS Board.