Queensland families are paying more for fresh produce at the supermarket while farmers make less.
As a result, ABS data shows Australians are consuming less fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy. Instead, favouring cheaper, packaged foods like cereals and convenience foods.
It’s why the Miles Labor Government will trial a farm gate price monitoring scheme led by industry to establish industry pricing standards.
The scheme will work across industry to collate and analyse farm financial performance, historical data and weekly wholesale and retail pricing data to monitor trends across the top 20 products.
“I shared a story earlier this year of a farmer selling watermelons by the road for $10 each, because he couldn’t afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,” said Queensland Premier Steven Miles.
“It’s a story that is all too familiar for those in the industry and something growers tell me is happening more and more often.
“My government will work with industry to capture and analyse the cost of products from the farm gate to plate, to shine a light on price transparency and support producers.
“Workshops will be delivered to upskill Queensland growers so they understand their true cost of production and are better positioned to negotiate with buyers and retailers.
“I want farmers to be equipped with the information and training the need to back themselves and advocate for their product.
“Our produce is the envy of the world so it’s time our farmers were rewarded for their hard work.
“I want to thank the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers industry body for their initiative.”
This information, in tandem with contract negotiation and cost of production training, will give farmers the information and skills to effectively negotiate better deals – resulting in fairer returns.
Workshops will be held in each major growing region to upskill growers in the art of negotiation, ensuring they are confident in their dealings with buyers and retailers.
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Rachel Chambers thanked the State Government for the initiative.
“Gearing Up Growers is about levelling the playing field. It is a collective, state-wide effort which aims to empower Queensland growers to be the most equipped negotiators in Australia.
We know Queensland’s produce holds more value than what is currently being paid and we are going to do all we can to support our growers to achieve a fair return at market.
We also know consumers deserve access to affordable, quality Queensland grown produce, guaranteed for generations to come.”
The government will also seek to develop a production cost best practice model for Queenslander growers. This will help farmers understand their profitability and risk.
It comes as the Queensland Supermarket Pricing Select Committee (Parliamentary Inquiry) extends the submission period until Friday, 19 April.
The Committee intends to shine a light on price transparency, from farm gate to plate, and examine the cause and effect of increased supermarket prices.
Queenslanders are encouraged to make a submission via the Queensland Parliament Website.
