Australian Growers’ Post

(AUSTRALIA 22.02.24) Fruit and vegie grower sentiment drops to ‘all-time low’. Australian fruit and vegetable growers face dissatisfaction due to challenges like orchard destruction (15%) from low prices. About 40% of veggie growers consider leaving due to rising costs and retail pressure. Industry voices concerns in a Senate inquiry. Aging growers worry about industry viability. They demand fair prices and reforms for sustainability. Original article (subscription required) https://lnkd.in/gCrcFf89 ----- [AG: In a recent article discussing the challenges faced by our fruit and vegetable growers in Australia, the spotlight falls on industry representatives and their role in addressing the power imbalance between growers and retailers. While organizations like AusVeg propose solutions to this pressing issue, the question arises: are they truly taking meaningful action to represent the interests of vegetable growers in the country? It's one thing for industry representatives to offer solutions and rhetoric, but what tangible steps are they taking to address the grower-retailer power dynamic? This sentiment extends beyond AusVeg to encompass a plethora of our grower, farmer, and taxpayer-funded food producers' representatives. Instead of passing the blame and solutions onto others, these representatives should be actively advocating for their constituents. For years, our farmers and growers have been vocal about the need for transparency in the food supply chain, from the paddock to retailers' shelves. Government funding has been allocated to develop transparent, blockchain-like systems for the food supply chain, yet no progress has been made. Much of the allocated funds have either been squandered or left unused, with initiatives lacking genuine concern for our farmers and growers. $5 million grant program Improving market transparency in perishable agricultural goods industries https://lnkd.in/gcht3EeV ... It is absolutely appalling and utterly disgraceful that not a single one of our esteemed fresh produce grower industry representatives finds even a mere mention here! The disconnect between industry representatives' words and actions is glaring. While they continue to talk the talk, they fail to walk the walk in representing the interests of those they claim to serve. It's time for a paradigm shift in the approach of our industry representatives, where meaningful action takes precedence over empty promises. Our farmers and growers deserve genuine advocacy and proactive solutions, not just lip service. It's time for industry representatives to step up and truly represent the voices of those who put food on our tables.] -----

(USA 22.06.24) #blueberries Naturipe Farms launches new blueberry varieties [AG: The Call for an Australian Fresh Produce Data Platform - An Unmet Need] Naturipe Farms, the world's largest blueberry producer, has introduced new blueberry varieties with improved flavour, texture, and size. The company sees growth in premium and value-added products, catering to the rising demand for grab-and-go snacks and organic berries. ----- [AG: As Australian growers, we are part of a vibrant, diverse and crucial industry of our economy - the fresh produce industry. We are proud of our work, producing high-quality fruits, vegetables and other crops that feed our nation. However, to continue thriving and growing, we need access to comprehensive, up-to-date market information. Internationally, there are several platforms providing this vital service. Agronometrics agronometrics.com, for example, offers a wealth of data on fresh produce markets, including pricing, volumes and trends. It's a trusted tool for growers, marketers and purchasers alike, providing a clear picture of the industry landscape. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a dedicated section for pricing and market data https://lnkd.in/emVHv6tJ , as well as a specific market news platform https://lnkd.in/d7xDDiuX. These resources offer extensive, regularly updated information on a wide range of agricultural commodities. ProduceIQ produceiq.com is another excellent example. It's a platform that provides fresh produce industry insights, analysis and pricing information. It's a valuable tool for those involved in the industry, from growers and distributors to retailers and food service providers. These platforms are not just informative; they're freely accessible. They offer user-friendly interfaces and even smartphone applications, making it easy for anyone involved in the industry to stay informed, no matter where they are. So, the question arises: why doesn't Australia have a similar platform? Our fresh produce industry is dynamic and diverse, and it deserves an equally dynamic and diverse platform to support it. Such a platform would empower growers and other industry stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions. It would promote transparency, encourage competition and ultimately, lead to a stronger, more resilient industry. As Australian growers, we call upon our industry leaders and relevant government bodies to recognise this need. Let's work together to create a platform that serves our industry, supports our growers and strengthens our agricultural future.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gD28F644

Early research suggests that many locally grown items at farmers markets — even organic items! — are comparable to or even less expensive than those same items (which may not be locally grown) in conventional grocery stores. Researchers from Bard College and the Northeast Organic Farming Association released a report on this issue in 2011 and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture conducted a similar study in Iowa in 2009. Consider this: When you buy a non-local head of lettuce or piece of fruit in a national chain supermarket, the majority of that dollar goes to the corporation that owns the store. When you buy that head of lettuce at a farmers market, the farmer takes home 100 percent of that dollar. Of course, farmers have expenses too, but one of the reasons for an increased multiplier is that local owners tend to spend more on local employees, who in turn spend their money with area merchants, who tend to provide greater support for local organizations and activities. When we talk about "buying local food," we are not just talking about supporting our farmers; in fact, the economic health of our communities is at stake. Economist Michael Shuman determined that shifting just 20 percent of food spending in the city of Detroit would result in a boost of nearly half a billion dollars, including more than 4,700 new jobs and an additional $20 million in business taxes to the city each year. In today’s economic climate, we cannot afford to ignore the power of the local food economy. https://lnkd.in/dCRKJsE5

(AUSTRALIA 10.09.24) #potatoes Potato standards in Australia leading to food waste, higher prices, farmers say [AG: Potato Prism - Shedding Light on the Multifaceted Challenges and Opportunities in the Australian Potato Industry} Australian farmers are concerned that strict aesthetic standards for potatoes lead to significant food waste and higher prices. ----- [AG: The appearance of potatoes heavily influences purchasing decisions for major Australian supermarkets and consumers, often leading to the claim that "Australia has the prettiest potatoes in the world." However, this assertion warrants further scrutiny, as many other countries also sell visually appealing potatoes. Australian retailers have different specifications for fruits and vegetables, making it difficult for growers to meet varying standards. Surprisingly, Australia lacks a national standard for fresh produce, unlike countries like the U.S., which has clear grading systems for potatoes such as U.S. No. 1 and No. 2. https://lnkd.in/gRpKGzZy Exacerbating the issue is the lack of transparency around production, post-harvest costs, and profit margins across the potato and fresh produce supply chain. Despite being a major producer, Australia continues to import substantial volumes of processed potato products. The large presence of these imports in retailers' freezer aisles indicates a reluctance or inability to process potatoes domestically, often driven by cost considerations. In addition, the limited variety of potato products offered by our major Australian retailers contrasts sharply with the wide selection available in overseas markets, both in processed and fresh forms. This restricted range not only limits consumer choice but also reduces opportunities to utilize "less aesthetically pleasing" or surplus potatoes. During periods of oversupply, this drives down farmers' profitability and highlights the missed potential to convert these potatoes into value-added products. To strengthen our local potato industry, it is crucial to advocate for the development of national fresh produce specifications and standards. Equally important is investing in opportunities for Australian growers to collaborate on potato processing for domestic and export markets. This strategy allows growers to supply fresh potatoes that meet retailer and consumer demands or add value to those that do not meet major retailer standards. It also helps balance supply and demand, maintaining profitable prices for fresh potatoes in the domestic market. In doing so, we can reduce reliance on imports while showcasing the unique qualities of Australian potatoes - not only for their appearance but also for their flavour and versatility.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gZYNpaTP

We read with interest about the initiative by NTUC FairPrice and Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF) to provide local farm produce at a lower cost. With more farms closing due to increasing costs and sluggish demand for its produce, initiatives like this may help to keep our local farms going. But to determine how effective lowering prices really is in shifting consumer mindsets, we will need to let the data from the 6-month pilot speak for itself. Results from this pricing strategy will also inform future decisions that will invariably impact our agriculture industry and collective farming community - for better or for worse. The Local Farm has been working closely with our community of  farmers over time to champion local produce, with a commitment towards fair trade. Through Farm-to-Table initiatives like The Local Farm Festival and our award-winning Bistro featuring local farm produce in at least 15% of our menu, we’ve helped to raise the visibility of our local farms. Through our Ready-To-Eat products, Singaporeans have also enjoyed a growing range of culinary innovations made using our local farm produce, including gelatos with local vegetables and goat’s milk, as well as chowders with fish from our local farms. Since 2020, The Local Farm has also provided more than 2000 families with our Farmpack for Good - a ground-up initiative that involves buying produce from our local farmers at fair trade and distributing them to beneficiaries through our community and corporate partners. Based on data listed on their website, NVPC - Towards a City of Good reports that there are about 50,000 households living in public rental flats in 2020 alone. Many of them are low income families requiring stronger support, including regular and sustainable access to proper nutrition. We can therefore still do more. With additional donations and partners, The Local Farm can provide our local farm fresh produce to broader segments of the community. Farmpack For Good can supplement their nutritional needs which donated shelf-stable products alone will not provide. Through our Farmpacks, our local farmers are also directly involved in feeding beneficiaries. This strengthens the nexus between both communities that no other initiative can. Through this effort, we can also support our local farmers in a sustainable way, without compromising on their commercial viability in the long haul. From individual donors to like-minded corporate sponsors and community partners, come join us in our effort to support more families in need. In doing so, you’re also supporting our farmers. Donate now to Farmpack For Good: https://lnkd.in/gAx4-mkx. You can also reach out to us at thelocalfarm@gardenasia.com if you're keen to join us as a corporate or community partner. #farmpackforgood #farmpackforacause #farmtotable #thelocalfarmsg #thelocalfarm #thelocalfarmfestival

There have been several articles published recently on SFA's 30-30 goals and several high tech farms closing. Ultimately, it's about building a robust and sustainable ecosystem and this takes time. #thelocalfarmsg #gardenasia #nofarmersnofood #foodsecurity #givebetter #sustainability #buylocal #titoymorchoo

(USA 29.01.24) #avocados Forecast variation of -12.24% for the avocado harvest in California. The California Avocado Commission https://lnkd.in/gba_cKjs forecasts a crop of 208 million pounds (95,000 MT) for 2023-24, down from 237 million pounds (108,000 MT) last year. Weather and market conditions may cause harvesting delays. The Hass variety accounts for the majority of the harvest. A new consumer campaign emphasizes local and sustainable messaging. The Commission is expanding trade support with video and geotargeted ads. Social media efforts will increase. Established in 1978, the Commission promotes California avocados. Visit CaliforniaAvocado.com for more. ----- [AG: Avocado crop forecast Australia for the fiscal year 2023-24 and comparison to previous fiscal year? Ensuring informed decision-making and enhancing farm-gate returns in our fresh produce industry requires comprehensive market performance analysis. However, the current lack of consistent, freely available updates raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of our industry representatives. Timely dissemination of critical information is crucial for our growers, stakeholders, the media, and consumers. The apparent shortfall in commitment to providing updates is disheartening. Closing this information gap necessitates a renewed dedication to transparency and accountability. Established platforms like Agronometrics USA, ProduceIQ, and USDA Market News offer potential solutions by providing essential, freely accessible, and current reports on the USA fresh produce industry. Australian growers face a lack of vital, real-time information on market conditions, post-farm gate prices, and trends. Despite its importance, industry representatives and post-farm gate operators often prioritize self-promotion over tangible support for growers. The long-term sustainability and profitability of our Australian growers depend on access to regular, accurate information. The absence of such resources leaves them vulnerable, jeopardizing livelihoods and industry sustainability. In contrast, post-farm gate operators exploit limited information for greater profit. The lack of transparency in our fresh produce supply chain emphasizes the need for initiative, courage, and determination from our industry representatives. Addressing this gap is crucial to break the current status quo favouring our post-farm gate operators (wholesalers, traders, merchants, aggregators, retailers, and the likes) and fostering a more equitable and sustainable industry for our food producers.] ----- https://lnkd.in/g5jFkF4X