Frequently Asked Questions

Cropwatch Independent Laboratories is a fully KLAS-accredited macadamia quality testing laboratory based in Alstonville, NSW. We provide independent kernel assessment and post-harvest consultancy services to growers, processors and exporters across the east coast of Australia.

Cropwatch has no affiliation with any macadamia processor or NIS buyer. This means our test results are 100% unbiased — our only obligation is to provide accurate data that reflects the true quality of your crop.

Our laboratory is located at the NSW DPI Research Station, 494 Bruxner Highway, Alstonville NSW 2477. We service growers and processors from Central Queensland to Northern NSW.

We offer a full range of macadamia quality assessments including kernel recovery tests, moisture testing, defect profiling, size grading, shelf life prediction and hexanal headspace analysis. View our full services and pricing on the Laboratory page.

Standard KR provides kernel recovery results without a moisture test. Ultimate KR includes both kernel recovery and NIS moisture testing — the most comprehensive single test for grower payment purposes.

Express KR is a rapid turnaround test designed for pre-harvest or pre-delivery quality assessment. Results are delivered within 3 days, giving you the information you need to make confident harvest and delivery decisions. Please note Express KR is not suitable for grower payment purposes.

Yes — our Standard KR, Ultimate KR and Basic KR tests are all suitable for grower payment purposes. Express KR is indicative only and not suitable for payment.

KLAS stands for Kernel Laboratory Accreditation Scheme — the industry standard developed and administered by the Australian Macadamia Society. KLAS accreditation guarantees that our testing meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Cropwatch has been KLAS accredited since the scheme’s inception in 2016.

Yes — Cropwatch is Australia’s only independent macadamia laboratory offering shelf life prediction testing using 2-week rapid ageing protocols with hexanal headspace analysis.

Cropwatch uses Dorran Bungay EMC (Equilibrium Moisture Content) based dryers — the industry benchmark for macadamia drying — rather than standard fan-forced laboratory ovens. This matters because fan-forced ovens use high circulating heat to remove moisture, which can stress the kernel during the assessment process. High heat combined with moisture is a known contributor to internal discolouration (brown centres) — one of the most commercially damaging defects in macadamia kernel. A quality assessment should measure what came out of your orchard, not introduce conditions that could affect the kernel during testing. By using the same drying methodology that commercial processors rely on, Cropwatch ensures that our assessment results reflect the true quality of your crop — nothing more, nothing less.

Yes — and we actively encourage it. Assessed kernel can be inspected either by photo and email or by visiting our laboratory in person. Seeing your results firsthand helps you connect the data back to what’s happening in your orchard — whether that’s a pest issue, weather impact or a change in your harvesting practices. Every season brings different challenges; pests develop resistance, weather patterns shift, and understanding your kernel quality at a visual level is one of the most powerful tools a grower has to continuously improve their orchard practices. Contact us to arrange a review of your results.

Yes — Cropwatch provides independent laboratory testing for macadamia exporters. Export consignments destined for markets including China and Vietnam require an independent laboratory result to certify the contents of the container being shipped. This is not a grower payment assessment — it is a certification of quality for the receiving market. Exporters typically submit a sample requiring both kernel quality assessment and kernel moisture testing. Contact us to discuss your export testing requirements.

Samples can be delivered by courier, express post or hand delivered to our laboratory at the NSW DPI Research Station, 494 Bruxner Highway, Alstonville NSW 2477. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. After-hours drop-off is available by arrangement.

Wide Bay growers: Cropwatch offers a virtual depot service through Bundaberg Aramex. Drop off your samples Monday to Friday with no booking, no paperwork and no packaging required. Samples arrive at our laboratory within 2 business days at $3.50 excl. GST per sample. Contact us to arrange onboarding.

For a full test including kernel recovery and moisture, send a minimum of 1.5kg NIS. For kernel recovery only, send a minimum of 750g NIS. For moisture only, send a minimum of 300g wet NIS. For detailed sampling methodology, download our Sample Submission Guide on the Resources page.

Our standard turnaround is up to 7 days. During winter months when humidity drops, turnaround can be as quick as 5 days. Express KR results are delivered within 3 days.

Samples should be continuously collected from the whole consignment to ensure a representative result. For pre-harvest sampling, use a quadrat of approximately 0.25m² and walk in a zig-zag pattern under at least 25 trees. For detailed sampling methodology, download our Sample Submission Guide on the Resources page.

Our pricing starts from $26.44 for a Basic KR test. View our full pricing schedule on the Laboratory page. All prices exclude 10% GST.

Yes — we offer expert consultancy covering facility design, processing plant design, quality management, R&D, international tree nut consultancy and group facilitation. Domestic consulting rates start from $185/hour. International rates are available on request. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

We are not currently seeking new suppliers or service providers. For laboratory or consultancy enquiries only, please use our contact form.