With Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC)’s annual MacDay around the corner – where issues such as market access, industry growth, crop protection and product development will be on the agenda – African Farming spoke to CEO Lizel Pretorius about challenges and opportunities in the sector.
By Jasper Raats, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
How long has SAMAC been operating as an independent organisation?
For many years, Macadamias South Africa was a voluntary body that provided a platform for cooperation between producers. In late 2018, the structure was formally converted into a registered non-profit company, now known as SAMAC.
What are the biggest obstacles facing the South African industry at the moment?
The main challenge is exports to the US, which accounts for about 20% of South Africa’s crop, making it the second-largest export market. However, the recently introduced 30% import tariff has significantly reduced competitiveness compared with other producers, such as Australia and Kenya.
Another major challenge is crop protection, with pests and diseases like the two-spotted stink bug, felted coccid, macadamia nut borer, dry flower disease and Phomopsis husk rot causing serious problems for growers.
What opportunities should South Africa’s macadamia industry prioritise?
There is growing global demand for sustainable, healthy and natural foods. South Africa must capitalise on its reputation for high-quality macadamias to expand into premium markets and grow exports of shelled nuts and value-added products such as macadamia oil, snacks and alternative milks.
Where does the greatest growth potential lie over the next five years?
The biggest opportunities are in expanding exports to new and emerging markets, particularly India, Asia and the Middle East – although government support will be vital to reduce tariffs. Product innovation also offers huge potential, from macadamia oil to specialised health and plant-based food products. South Africa can also strengthen its position in global markets for luxury snacks and confectionery.
If you could ask the Minister of Agriculture for two priorities, what would they be?
SAMAC continues to prioritise bilateral talks to reduce the US’s 30% tariff on South African macadamias. Since new export markets can take years to establish, tariff reductions are critical to protecting competitiveness. So I’d ask that government make every effort to lower import tariffs on South African macadamias.
I would also ask the minister to prioritise market access and phytosanitary protocols in countries such as India, South Korea and Japan, which hold high potential to expand and diversify export markets. These countries represent significant untapped opportunities for premium South African macadamias.
Who are South Africa’s biggest competitors at the moment?
Key competitors include Australia, Kenya and China, along with emerging producers such as Vietnam. Despite this, South Africa is expected to remain the world’s largest producer for the foreseeable future.
Does South Africa have strategic advantages over competitors?
Yes. As the world’s largest macadamia producer, South Africa is recognised for the quality and consistency of its nuts. The country’s subtropical climate, fertile soils and favourable topography provide ideal growing conditions.
In addition, South Africa benefits from a strong research programme focused on crop protection, biosecurity, cultivar development and yield optimisation. Local macadamia farmers are highly skilled, and the industry supports up to 50 000 jobs.
How do farmers and exporters balance consumer demands with production requirements?
With consumers seeking fewer chemicals and more environmentally friendly production, SAMAC promotes an integrated pest management approach. This emphasises prevention, monitoring and targeted interventions.
Where action is required, farmers are encouraged to analyse monitoring data before making decisions. Agrochemicals should only be applied when necessary, and ideally combined with biological control measures.
A large share of SAMAC’s research budget goes into developing biological tools for pest and disease control, providing farmers with sustainable, science-based solutions.
How climate-resilient is the industry?
SAMAC has conducted two rounds of climate modelling to assess how changing weather patterns and long-term shifts may affect macadamia production areas. The results suggest that suitable regions could shift further west along the coast into areas currently too dry or cool.
According to the Köppen climate classification, some production areas are expected to change category, for example, subtropical regions may become warmer or drier. This means the basic conditions producers rely on will not remain constant.
Private breeding companies are already working on cultivars that are more tolerant of heat, drought and greater climate variability.
What are some of the highlights since 2018?
SAMAC is a founding member of the International Macadamia Association, which now includes members from across the world. Its key mandate is to build consumer awareness and drive global demand for macadamias, while also developing standards for shelled nuts, unshelled nuts and oil.
SAMAC’s research portfolio has grown from 20 projects in 2019 to 45 active projects today, with more than 100 completed. The organisation has also launched a dedicated annual research event, and strengthened technology transfer through webinars, interactive tools and practical guidelines.
