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AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate said the season tested growers in every region, and the final crop reflects both the scale of the challenges and the determination shown across the industry. 

“Growers have had an incredibly tough year. Heavy and prolonged rainfall damaged crops, restricted access to orchards, and pushed harvest well beyond its usual end point. Some growers were still harvesting in September and October,” she said. “Despite all of this, growers and processors worked incredibly hard to bring in the best crop possible. The result, while disappointing for many, shows the strength and resilience within our industry.” 

Many growers in both NSW and Queensland reported their lowest crops in more than a decade. However, Bundaberg stood out, recording its largest crop to date at close to 30,000 tonnes, driven largely by younger plantings now approaching full production. 

The national crop figure is based on actual factory receipts from members of the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA), combined with estimated production for non-members. The AMHA represents approximately 90 per cent of Australia’s macadamia crop.

Looking ahead, the outlook for the 2026 season is cautiously optimistic. Growing conditions have been favourable so far, flowering has been strong in most regions, and early nut set appears promising. With low inventory levels and ongoing strong customer demand, the industry is focused on rebuilding and delivering premium Australian macadamias to markets around the world in 2026.

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