Vegetable, Flower, Nursery, Turf Values Decline
Latest statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have revealed the value of Australian vegetable, cut flower, nursery and turf industries all went backwards in FY24.
Jolyon Burnett, chair of the NFF Horticulture Council, said the latest data provided sombre reading despite some bright spots, and should give cause for reflection by those responsible for putting in place the conditions needed for the horticulture sector to succeed.
“Perhaps most concerning is the vegetable result, with value back $140 million on the year before despite production lifting 250,000 tonnes,” said Mr Burnett.
“But even a gain in value of $493 million across the fruit sector should be taken with a grain of salt. We know many fruit growers are feeling the squeeze of increased input costs and are struggling to break even.”
Brighter spots included strong growth in volumes and value of almonds and better farmgate returns in the banana industry.
“We are reminded again by these numbers that the future success of the horticulture industry shouldn’t be assumed or taken for granted,” said Mr Burnett.
“The ACCC found that without intervention major supermarkets’ use of market power would likely have lasting consequences for the efficiency and sustainability of the fresh produce system and recommended a number of reforms to trading practices.
“And Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) recently reaffirmed an understanding that horticulture relies on temporary migrants to undertake essential harvest roles, particularly backpackers, and recommended employer engagement with the PALM scheme needs streamlining.
“These are considered recommendations from government agencies relied upon for their domain expertise and independent advice, invariably echoing long held views of industry.
“It’s our expectation the Australian Government makes timely and meaningful responses to the ACCC and JSA reports a priority in its second term and that other constraints and systemic weaknesses are identified and addressed through Feeding Australia, the national food security strategy to be developed.”
Background
https://nff.org.au/media-release/value-of-vegetables-flowers-nursery-and-turf-all-going-backwards/