{"id":412,"date":"2026-03-23T10:31:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T23:31:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=412"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:07:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T00:07:12","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"cw-faq-page\">\n\n    <!-- HERO -->\n    <section class=\"cw-faq-hero\">\n        <div class=\"cw-faq-container\">\n            <span class=\"cw-badge\">Knowledge Base<\/span>\n            <h1>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n            <p>Everything you need to know about our laboratory services, testing methodology and sample submission. Can&#8217;t find what you&#8217;re looking for? <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">Contact us directly.<\/a><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <!-- FAQ CONTENT -->\n    <section class=\"cw-faq-section\">\n        <div class=\"cw-faq-container\">\n            <div class=\"cw-faq-grid\">\n\n                <!-- LEFT NAV -->\n                <div class=\"cw-faq-nav\">\n                    <p class=\"cw-faq-nav-title\">Categories<\/p>\n                    <a href=\"#general\" class=\"cw-faq-nav-link\">General<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"#lab-services\" class=\"cw-faq-nav-link\">Laboratory Services<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"#sample-submission\" class=\"cw-faq-nav-link\">Sample Submission<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"#pricing\" class=\"cw-faq-nav-link\">Pricing &#038; Consultancy<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"#other\" class=\"cw-faq-nav-link\">Other<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <!-- RIGHT CONTENT -->\n                <div class=\"cw-faq-content\">\n\n                    <!-- GENERAL -->\n                    <div id=\"general\" class=\"cw-faq-group\">\n                        <h2>General<\/h2>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What is Cropwatch Independent Laboratories?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What does &#8220;independent&#8221; mean?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Cropwatch has no affiliation with any macadamia processor or NIS buyer. This means our test results are 100% unbiased \u2014 our only obligation is to provide accurate data that reflects the true quality of your crop.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Where are you located?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <!-- LAB SERVICES -->\n                    <div id=\"lab-services\" class=\"cw-faq-group\">\n                        <h2>Laboratory Services<\/h2>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What tests do you offer?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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 <a href=\"\/wordpress\/laboratory\">Laboratory page<\/a>.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What is the difference between Standard KR and Ultimate KR?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Standard KR provides kernel recovery results without a moisture test. Ultimate KR includes both kernel recovery and NIS moisture testing \u2014 the most comprehensive single test for grower payment purposes.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What is the Express KR test?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Are your tests suitable for grower payment?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Yes \u2014 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.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What is KLAS accreditation?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>KLAS stands for Kernel Laboratory Accreditation Scheme \u2014 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&#8217;s inception in 2016.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Are you the only lab offering shelf life prediction testing?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Yes \u2014 Cropwatch is Australia&#8217;s only independent macadamia laboratory offering shelf life prediction testing using 2-week rapid ageing protocols with hexanal headspace analysis.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">What drying method does Cropwatch use?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Cropwatch uses Dorran Bungay EMC (Equilibrium Moisture Content) based dryers \u2014 the industry benchmark for macadamia drying \u2014 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) \u2014 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 \u2014 nothing more, nothing less.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Can I see my assessed kernel results in person?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Yes \u2014 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&#8217;s happening in your orchard \u2014 whether that&#8217;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. <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">Contact us<\/a> to arrange a review of your results.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Do you provide testing for exporters?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Yes \u2014 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 \u2014 it is a certification of quality for the receiving market. Exporters typically submit a sample requiring both kernel quality assessment and kernel moisture testing. <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">Contact us<\/a> to discuss your export testing requirements.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <!-- SAMPLE SUBMISSION -->\n                    <div id=\"sample-submission\" class=\"cw-faq-group\">\n                        <h2>Sample Submission<\/h2>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">How do I submit a sample?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n    <p>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.<\/p>\n    <p><strong>Wide Bay growers:<\/strong> 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. <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">Contact us<\/a> to arrange onboarding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">How much sample do I need to send?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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 <a href=\"\/wordpress\/resources\">Resources page<\/a>.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">How long does testing take?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>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.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">How should I collect my sample?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Samples should be continuously collected from the whole consignment to ensure a representative result. For pre-harvest sampling, use a quadrat of approximately 0.25m\u00b2 and walk in a zig-zag pattern under at least 25 trees. For detailed sampling methodology, download our Sample Submission Guide on the <a href=\"\/wordpress\/resources\">Resources page<\/a>.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <!-- PRICING -->\n                    <div id=\"pricing\" class=\"cw-faq-group\">\n                        <h2>Pricing &#038; Consultancy<\/h2>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">How much does testing cost?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Our pricing starts from $26.44 for a Basic KR test. View our full pricing schedule on the <a href=\"\/wordpress\/laboratory\">Laboratory page<\/a>. All prices exclude 10% GST.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">Do you offer consultancy services?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>Yes \u2014 we offer expert consultancy covering facility design, processing plant design, quality management, R&#038;D, international tree nut consultancy and group facilitation. Domestic consulting rates start from $185\/hour. International rates are available on request. <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">Contact us<\/a> to discuss your requirements.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <!-- OTHER -->\n                    <div id=\"other\" class=\"cw-faq-group\">\n                        <h2>Other<\/h2>\n\n                        <div class=\"cw-faq-item\">\n                            <button class=\"cw-faq-question\">I&#8217;m a service provider \u2014 can I contact you about working together?<\/button>\n                            <div class=\"cw-faq-answer\">\n                                <p>We are not currently seeking new suppliers or service providers. For laboratory or consultancy enquiries only, please use our <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\">contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <!-- CTA -->\n    <section class=\"cw-faq-cta\">\n        <div class=\"cw-faq-container\">\n            <h2>Still Have Questions?<\/h2>\n            <p>Our team is happy to help. Get in touch and we&#8217;ll get back to you within one business day.<\/p>\n            <a href=\"\/wordpress\/contact\" class=\"cw-button\">Contact Us<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n    var questions = document.querySelectorAll('.cw-faq-question');\n    questions.forEach(function(question) {\n        question.addEventListener('click', function() {\n            var item = this.parentElement;\n            var answer = this.nextElementSibling;\n            var isOpen = item.classList.contains('cw-open');\n            document.querySelectorAll('.cw-faq-item').forEach(function(i) {\n                i.classList.remove('cw-open');\n                i.querySelector('.cw-faq-answer').style.maxHeight = null;\n            });\n            if (!isOpen) {\n                item.classList.add('cw-open');\n                answer.style.maxHeight = answer.scrollHeight + 'px';\n            }\n        });\n    });\n});\n<\/script>\n\n<style>\n.cw-faq-page { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; }\n.cw-faq-container { max-width: 1100px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 5%; }\n\n\/* HERO *\/\n.cw-faq-hero {\n    background: #FDFBF0;\n    padding: 100px 0 60px;\n    border-bottom: 4px solid #DED9C4;\n}\n.cw-faq-hero h1 {\n    color: #4A5427;\n    font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem);\n    margin: 15px 0 20px;\n    line-height: 1.2;\n}\n.cw-faq-hero p {\n    color: #5F4B32;\n    font-size: 1.05rem;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    max-width: 700px;\n}\n.cw-faq-hero a {\n    color: #4A5427;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n}\n\n\/* SECTION *\/\n.cw-faq-section {\n    padding: 80px 0;\n    background: #FDFBF0;\n}\n.cw-faq-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 220px 1fr;\n    gap: 60px;\n    align-items: start;\n}\n\n\/* LEFT NAV *\/\n.cw-faq-nav {\n    position: sticky;\n    top: 100px;\n}\n.cw-faq-nav-title {\n    font-size: 0.75rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 0.1em;\n    color: #4A5427;\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n}\n.cw-faq-nav-link {\n    display: block;\n    padding: 8px 12px;\n    color: #5F4B32;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    font-size: 0.9rem;\n    border-left: 2px solid #DED9C4;\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n    transition: all 0.2s ease;\n}\n.cw-faq-nav-link:hover {\n    border-left-color: #4A5427;\n    color: #4A5427;\n    background: rgba(74,84,39,0.05);\n}\n\n\/* FAQ GROUPS *\/\n.cw-faq-group {\n    margin-bottom: 60px;\n}\n.cw-faq-group h2 {\n    color: #4A5427;\n    font-size: 1.5rem;\n    margin: 0 0 24px;\n    padding-bottom: 12px;\n    border-bottom: 2px solid #DED9C4;\n}\n\n\/* FAQ ITEMS *\/\n.cw-faq-item {\n    border-bottom: 0.5px solid #DED9C4;\n}\n.cw-faq-question {\n    width: 100%;\n    text-align: left;\n    background: none;\n    border: none;\n    padding: 20px 40px 20px 0;\n    font-size: 1rem;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: #4A5427;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    position: relative;\n    font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n    line-height: 1.4;\n}\n.cw-faq-question::after {\n    content: '+';\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 50%;\n    transform: translateY(-50%);\n    font-size: 1.4rem;\n    color: #4A5427;\n    font-weight: 300;\n    transition: transform 0.2s ease;\n}\n.cw-faq-item.cw-open .cw-faq-question::after {\n    content: '\u2212';\n}\n.cw-faq-answer {\n    max-height: 0;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    transition: max-height 0.3s ease;\n}\n.cw-faq-answer p {\n    color: #5F4B32;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    font-size: 0.95rem;\n    padding-bottom: 20px;\n    margin: 0;\n}\n.cw-faq-answer a {\n    color: #4A5427;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n}\n\n\/* CTA *\/\n.cw-faq-cta {\n    padding: 80px 0;\n    background: #4A5427;\n    text-align: center;\n}\n.cw-faq-cta h2 { color: #FDFBF0; font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 15px; }\n.cw-faq-cta p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85); margin-bottom: 30px; font-size: 1.05rem; }\n\n\/* BADGE *\/\n.cw-badge {\n    background-color: #DED9C4;\n    color: #5F4B32;\n    padding: 6px 12px;\n    font-size: 0.8rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    border-radius: 2px;\n    display: inline-block;\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\n    letter-spacing: 0.05em;\n}\n\n\/* BUTTON *\/\n.cw-button {\n    background-color: #DED9C4;\n    color: #4A5427 !important;\n    padding: 14px 32px;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    display: inline-block;\n    font-size: 1rem;\n    letter-spacing: 0.05em;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    transition: opacity 0.2s ease;\n}\n.cw-button:hover { opacity: 0.85; }\n\n\/* MOBILE *\/\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .cw-faq-hero { padding: 80px 0 40px; }\n    .cw-faq-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 0; }\n    .cw-faq-nav { display: none; }\n    .cw-faq-hero h1,\n    .cw-faq-hero p { text-align: left !important; }\n    .cw-faq-group h2 { font-size: 1.3rem; }\n    .cw-faq-question { font-size: 0.95rem; }\n}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowledge Base Frequently Asked Questions Everything you need to know about our laboratory services, testing methodology and sample submission. Can&#8217;t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-412","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=412"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":470,"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/412\/revisions\/470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cropwatchlab.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}