Two Decades of Independent Authority
Cropwatch Independent Laboratories was founded on a single unwavering principle — that growers deserve accurate, unbiased data to make informed decisions about their crop, free from the potential bias of processor-operated laboratories.
Born Out of Industry Need
Cropwatch Independent Laboratories was founded in the 2000s by Mary Burton, an agricultural professional with deep roots in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Mary identified a critical gap in the macadamia industry — growers needed truly independent quality assessment for payment purposes, free from the potential bias of processor-operated laboratories.
Starting from modest beginnings in the Northern Rivers, Cropwatch was built on a single unwavering principle: that growers deserve accurate, unbiased data to make informed decisions about their crop.
Kim Jones — The Foundation Years
In 2009, Kim Jones took the reins of Cropwatch — then in its early years — and elevated the operation to a new level. With strong connections to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Kim secured the current laboratory facility at the NSW DPI Research Station in Alstonville — giving Cropwatch the infrastructure and credibility to service the entire east coast macadamia industry from Central Queensland to Northern NSW.
Kim’s tenure saw Cropwatch become the benchmark for independent macadamia quality assessment. When the Australian Macadamia Society formalised industry standards through the Kernel Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KLAS) in 2016, Cropwatch was at the forefront — a natural recognition of the standards the laboratory had already been upholding for years.
Today Kim continues his relationship with Cropwatch as a senior consultant, bringing over 35 years of world-recognised expertise in post-harvest physiology, factory design and macadamia quality management to our clients.
KLAS Accredited Laboratory
Australian Macadamia Society
Cropwatch has been independently accredited under the Kernel Laboratory Accreditation Scheme since its inception in 2016 — the industry standard developed and administered by the Australian Macadamia Society.
Michael Agnello — A New Vision
In 2025, Cropwatch entered a new chapter under the ownership of Michael Agnello. With a Bachelor of Engineering and over 23 years of experience working with Tier 1 carriers across Australia and internationally, Michael brings a rigorous engineering mindset and a fresh vision to Australia’s most trusted macadamia laboratory.
Michael has built a career on precision, reliability and delivering results under pressure — values that translate directly to laboratory science and quality assurance.
Michael’s vision is to bring the precision of modern engineering and emerging technology to the macadamia industry — driving growers, processors and exporters into a new era of data-driven decision making.
“My engineering background taught me that accurate data is the foundation of every good decision. That’s exactly what Cropwatch delivers for the macadamia industry.”
— Michael Agnello, OwnerOur Independence is Absolute
Cropwatch has no affiliation with any macadamia processor or NIS buyer. We are your truly independent quality assessor — and that independence has been our founding principle since day one. When you receive a Cropwatch report, you can be confident the data reflects the true quality of your crop.
Get In TouchServicing the East Coast Macadamia Industry
Cropwatch services the macadamia industry from Central Queensland to Northern NSW, including farmers, processors and exporters across all major growing regions.
Central Queensland
Rockhampton to Maryborough, including the irrigated farms of the Bundaberg region.
South East Queensland
Gympie and Glasshouse Mountains districts, a mix of irrigated and non-irrigated farms.
New South Wales
Northern Rivers and Nambucca Heads districts, predominantly non-irrigated farms.
Ready to Work With Us?
Contact our team to discuss your laboratory or consultancy requirements.