In Australia, citrus farmers are encountering significant obstacles, with some opting to remove their orchards due to inadequate supermarket prices and escalating labor expenses. In particular, Jason Sayer, a farmer near Wokalup, south of Perth, has decided to exit the citrus industry after two decades, citing the increased costs of fertilizers and labor without a corresponding rise in fruit prices. The number of citrus growers in his area has dwindled from over thirty to a mere few, reflecting a broader trend of declining confidence and reduced diversity in fruit production across the region.
Similarly, Tamara Chinnery, who cultivates citrus and vegetables near Carnarvon, is facing competition from imported fruits, which are often sold at lower prices despite being less fresh. This discrepancy in pricing and the preference for imported produce over local varieties are contributing to the challenges faced by domestic growers. Chinnery, like Sayer, is concerned about the long-term sustainability of local fruit and vegetable production if consumer support for Australian-grown produce does not increase.
Nationally, the citrus industry is under pressure due to rising production costs, affected by factors such as the pandemic and global conflicts, which impact access and trade. Nathan Hancock, CEO of Citrus Australia, highlights the industry-wide issue, noting that growers are being squeezed by both increasing expenses and retailer demands to keep prices low. This situation is leading to a reduction in the number of citrus producers, with some transitioning to other crops or selling their properties.
Source: abc.net.au