Almost 50 percent of vegetable growers consider themselves financially worse off than a year ago.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the latest AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Survey report shows a third of vegetable growers are considering leaving the $5.8 billion industry this year, in a worrying sign amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Littleproud said it is clear vegetable growers are still not getting the support they need to get food from paddock to plate, and almost 50 per cent of vegetable, potato and onion growers consider themselves financially worse off than a year ago. “Our farmers are clearly struggling,” Mr Littleproud said.
“When supply goes down, prices go up, so 32 per cent of vegetable growers quitting would have huge consequences for families at the supermarket checkout.
“Unfortunately, the industry is going backwards because Labor has treated our farmers with contempt and ignored the Coalition’s calls for supermarket reform as far back as 2022.
“Our farmers and families need the Coalition’s plan, which will give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) powers to audit a supermarket at any time.
“The Coalition’s plan will create a Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution. This will be a game-changer for farmers and suppliers because it will change culture and protect those who need it most.
“We will also introduce sector-specific divestiture powers – in the hands of the ACCC and the courts, not politicians – as a last resort to address the behaviour of supermarkets and to put an end to instances of price-gouging.
Mr Littleproud added the AUSVEG survey comes on top of the recent Jobs and Skills Australia report, which also shows the agricultural industry remains in limbo.
“A future Coalition Government will also bring back the Agriculture Visa, helping farmers get the workers they need to get food from paddock to plate, and we will ensure the 88-day backpacker work visa remains in place.”