Pictured above: TopNut director, Werner van Niekerk, pictured here with MCT-1 trees in the nursery.
It is an unfortunate truth that the macadamia industry is currently experiencing challenges. Many growers are hesitant to expand on existing establishments, and to further any current investments. While this is the harsh reality that the industry is facing, this is definitely not the end of the road for growers. Amidst a decrease in prices and an unfavourable economy, there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel and we are optimistic and excited about the future of this industry in the long term and the role that improved genetics can play to take the industry to new heights.
Due to the cyclic nature of agriculture, the macadamia industry is bound to experience great growth again within the next few years. By investing in new and superior genetics, it will position one to be a frontrunner in this industry. We need to farm as profitable and sustainable as possible. The progress made on new and improved varieties really excites us as this will be a game changer for the industry.
One of these varieties, MCT-1, being a high yielding and precocious variety, is more productive and can push up profitability for producers with up to 40% to 50% in comparison to other varieties planted in the industry. Since these results were obtained under Australian conditions, MCT-1’s performance under varying climatic conditions in South Africa and other African countries now need to be determined on various testing sites. TopNut, an international company specialising in the importation and commercialisation of new varieties and the management of Intellectual Property, is in the process of establishing such screening blocks that will provide growers with the necessary background to make informed decisions when considering establishing this variety. Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) protection is still underway, and this variety will be made available commercially once PBR has been awarded.
For more information, please contact Anneli Bosman, TopNut: General Business Developer at annelib@topnutgroup.com, or 0837365553.
