Australian vegetable growers are scaling back production amid surging input costs and supply shortages, raising concerns about the availability of fresh produce nationwide.
A rapid survey by AUSVEG, involving more than 150 growers, found 27 per cent had already reduced or stopped planting due to ongoing uncertainty, while a further 13 per cent were considering doing so. Those who had cut back reported reducing plantings by an average of 30 per cent.
The survey also revealed 19 per cent of growers had opted not to harvest existing crops, citing unviable returns driven by rising production and freight costs, as well as
difficulty accessing transport to get produce to market.
AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote
said the findings pointed to immediate risks for consumers.
“Australia relies on its vegetable industry to supply 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce to consumers each day, with local growers providing 98 per cent of the vegetables eaten by Australian families,” Mr Coote said.
“As growers scale back production, the flow-on to consumers will be felt quickly as supply reduces.”
The industry has been heavily impacted
by rising costs linked to global instability, including the Middle East conflict, which
has driven up prices and disrupted supply chains for key inputs such as diesel, fertiliser and freight.
More than 75 per cent of growers reported fuel shortages, with many holding only one to three weeks’ supply. Weekly fuel costs have increased by an average of 74 per cent, while freight surcharges have risen by
38 per cent.
Fertiliser shortages are also widespread, with more than half of growers affected and many reporting limited supply on hand.
Despite these increases, growers said they had only been able to pass on about 12 per cent of their rising costs, placing further pressure on already tight margins.
Mr Coote said the situation was compounding long-term challenges across the sector, with many growers already questioning their future in the industry.
“With no certainty on costs, input supply and returns, growers are facing the challenge of not knowing what conditions they will be dealing with when crops planted today are ready for harvest,” he said.
Industry leaders are calling for urgent government action, including prioritising vegetable producers for fuel and fertiliser supply, strengthening freight and transport access, and ensuring food production is central to national supply chain planning.
They have also urged consideration of the broader impacts on food security, warning that without intervention, reduced production could lead to further supply constraints and higher prices for consumers.
