The Australian Macadamia Society estimates its receivals from this year’s crop will be 33,000 tonnes - down on the original 45,000t forecast.

The organisation’s chief executive Jolyon Burnett blames the drop on an early flowering, combined with heavy frost and hail in some areas.

“Lengthy rain periods and resultant husk spot may also have reduced the crop in NSW,” she says.

The good news is that upward pressure could be placed on macadamia prices because of continuing strong demand from Europe.