Our Macadamia Trees: A Thriving Example of Biodiversity on a Commercial Farm

Our commercial farm may look a bit different. Here in the orchards, our macadamia trees thrive beside a rainforest ecosystem divided by inter-row planting, which encourages carbon sequestering, soil health, and pollinators. You don’t need to look far—biodiversity can be seen right on the macadamia trunks and branches, which are covered in all different kinds of plants, such as staghorn ferns, moss, and lichen.

Our macadamia trees are a great example of the thriving biodiversity?the Brook family has worked so hard to implement. Instead of traditional monoculture farming practices, Pam and Martin Brook, the founders of Brookfarm, enact nature-based solutions that strengthen the entire ecosystem on their farm.?

Did you know...

Macadamias are an Australian native rainforest tree, the only nut native to Australia, and have been around for 60 million years!

Breaking the monoculture monopoly

Monoculture farming is growing a single crop on the same land year after year, which has been prevalent for centuries in large-scale commercial agriculture. While it may increase short-term yields, it can necessitate the use of pesticides and fertilizers, encouraging soil erosion, water pollution, genetic vulnerability, and the loss of biodiversity.

By focusing on regenerative agriculture, which encourages local and native biodiversity instead, Pam and Martin have proven that a commercial farming operation can coexist with nature from day one.

Benefits of biodiversity

Biodiversity is all about the variety of life—from plants and animals to tiny microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria. It is the foundation of a healthy and balanced ecosystem and gene pool, providing numerous benefits such as supporting life and habitats, healthy food and water sources, native plants, and climate regulation.?

When an ecosystem has high biodiversity, it is stable and balanced, allowing it to handle better changes such as climate change or the introduction of non-native species.

The more variety, the better!

Did you know...

More than 80% of Australian plant and animal species are endemic, meaning they only occur naturally there.

Safeguarding our precious biodiversity

Encouraging and protecting biodiversity at every step, from plants, animals, and ecosystems to genetics, means a healthier farm with healthier produce, soil, and people.?

As custodians of the land, we must safeguard its diverse and precious biodiversity. This starts with native species that naturally thrive locally.?The benefits of these efforts naturally extend beyond the farm, positively impacting neighbouring areas through the distribution of native seeds, safe access to clean food and water, and strengthening wildlife populations.

How can I help

Anyone can help restore biodiversity no matter how small their contributions. Planting plants native to where you live helps create and connect habitat corridors and strengthens food sources for local fauna populations. Let us know if you do; we would love to hear about it!