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Andrew Leslie has been surrounded by macadamia orchards all his life. As a third-generation farmer who helped his parents plant their trees back in the seventies, the newest member of the AMS board has been full-time farming for the past 15 years.

To achieve efficiencies and economies of scale Andrew, his father Ken and his brother Scott work closely together on each other’s properties as well as share farm on the Alstonville Plateau in northern NSW.

“In total we look after 23,800 trees ranging in age from ten to 40 years old and there is nearly every variety,” said Andrew.

“We got into share farming for a number of reasons. This included the increasing age of farmers, owners wanting to create time for themselves and/or not having the right equipment to farm properly.

“We have been selective in choosing farms close by to minimise transport issues.”

Andrew’s wife Ann is also involved in the industry and runs the family business Avilla Farm Macadamia Skin Care, which sells macadamia oil beauty products online, in stores and overseas.

“As we know, macadamias are an amazing source of nutrition when consumed, but the oil is an incredible natural source of nourishment for the skin,” says Andrew.

“Macadamia oil is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E and nutrients, making it the ultimate ‘skin food’.”

Before Andrew took up farming full time, he was a management accountant for 19 years. He has a Bachelor of Economics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management and is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Andrew says his skills have transferred successfully to growing macadamias.

“Having the expertise to be able to track all input costs and quantities, leasing equipment and create work plans has come in very handy in farming.” 

It also means he is one of these rare individuals who enjoys doing his BAS each quarter. 

“Keeping all financials up to date is very good for forward planning.”

Like most growers, Andrew has faced his share of on-farm challenges. In his first three years, he endured a black frost (that wiped out 12 per cent of one of his young orchards), a damaging cyclone and a flood event that washed away a stack of nut. 

Looking to the future, Andrew and his family plan to continue focusing on increasing productivity on the farms they currently own and manage.

“We are always open to more share farms but are conscious of not overextending ourselves (and reducing our productivity) while trying to balance a work/family life,” he said.

With his new appointment to the AMS board, Andrew hopes to have members’ views prioritised and create clear communication channels between all stakeholders.

Andrew highlighted some challenges for the industry, including processing capabilities of an increasing crop, keeping demand ahead of supply, achieving lower cost production, sustainability and value adding to the finished products.

“There are also opportunities for the AMS and industry to work closely with the newly formed World Macadamia Organisation at a global level,” he said.

Andrew joined the AMS Board following Larry McHugh’s resignation in February.