Growing macadamia is a long term sustainable solution and especially when the trees are wll integrated with other crops, trees and activities. NMT promotes intercropping and partnering trees to build a biodiverse environment which can help improve yields and protection from pests. Macadamia orchards also provide an ideal habitat for bees.
In order to bridge the gap between planting macadamia and it's production of nuts interim activities have been developed. Training and resources have been provided for bee keeping. The beehives are wooden boxes some five feet long and eighteen inches in cross section, often painted green. These are hung in macadamia orchards or local forests. In orchards they benefit flower pollination and thus increase cropping. Sales of honey provide smallholder income. This work allows realistic flexibility and practical self sufficiency as farmers wait for the greater crop of nuts to be harvested and marketed.
