Dois Córregos (SP) consolidates itself as the National Capital of Macadamia

Known for its buttery flavor and widely used in the cosmetics industry, macadamia nuts have been driving the economy of Dois Córregos (SP) for over 40 years. The municipality in the interior of São Paulo produces around 2 thousand tons of walnuts in shell per year, according to the municipal administration.

The impact of cultivation is so significant that the city celebrates production with the Macadamia Festival, created through the mobilization of producers with the support of public authorities. The last edition of the event brought together around 50 thousand people, and the 14th edition will be held between the 4th and 6th of September.

Dois Córregos (SP) is responsible for more than 30% of national Macadamia production.

Production began with rural producer José Eduardo Camargo, 76 years old, resident of the city, son of a sugarcane farmer and member of the Brazilian Association of Nuts, Chestnuts and Dried Fruits (ABNC).

In an interview with g1, José said that he discovered the oilseed during a work trip to Hawaii in the 1980s. Upon returning, he decided to start planting the nut on his family's land as an alternative to sugarcane monoculture.

“Looking for an alternative to sugar cane, we found in macadamia nut cultivation the possibility of producing a very healthy, tasty food with sustainable agriculture”, he stated.

According to the Brazilian Association of Nuts, Chestnuts and Dried Fruits (ABNC), macadamia production is considered sustainable because the trees can live and produce fruit for more than 100 years. Additionally, cultivation generally requires less water compared to other nuts.

According to the producer, at the time it was difficult to find seedlings in the country and the cost was high, on average US$10 per unit. Therefore, he started the plantation with 250 feet.

In addition to dedicating himself to cultivation and commerce, José created a nursery to produce seedlings for his own company and for the expansion of culture in the country. He calculates that around 70% of the trees planted in Brazil have left the site.

The farmer explained that, in addition to supplying the Brazilian market, he also exports the product to countries such as Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico and nations in Europe.

The introduction of macadamia nuts changed José's family routine and the economic dynamics of Dois Córregos.

“The opportunity to work together to build a new business, not only for our family, but also for the entire production chain, as suppliers, employees and customers, brings us the joy of contributing to the economic and social strengthening of the region”, he highlighted.

Macadamia National Capital

The cultivation of the oilseed became part of the history, culture and local identity, which earned Dois Córregos the title of “National Capital of Macadamia”. In August this year, the city even gained a themed square dedicated to walnuts.

The walnut has become one of the pillars of the municipality's economy, which houses the entire production chain: seedling production, cultivation, processing and marketing.

In an interview with g1, the mayor of Dois Córregos, Alceu Antônio Mazziero, highlighted the importance of the activity, which generates direct and indirect jobs, in addition to moving various sectors and service providers in the city.

“Wherever you go, you can find macadamia trees”, reinforced the mayor.