Growers are facing record prices for the cost of production, yet there remains virtually no movement on price at the retail level. Growers are continuing to bear the brunt of global trade conditions with rising chemical, fertilizer, fuel, lumber, and labor costs without any relief in price from buyers.
AUSVEG is calling on retailers and buyers to ensure that farmgate prices that growers receive for their produce better reflect the current economic climate.
Over the last few weeks, AUSVEG has discovered that the vegetable retail price in Australia has remained relatively stable, despite significant increases in the cost of production. This means that growers are bearing the brunt.
As shown by the graph above, the cost of vegetables per kilogram has remained steady for the past two years. This data is inclusive of all retail including major, independents, greengrocers, and specialty stores.
At a time when demand should be at its peak for fresh produce, the Australian consumer needs to understand the pressures growers are facing in this challenging market and the retail price needs to reflect what is happening in reality.
Source: ausveg.com.au