Leading vegetable growers, industry and federal political figures gathered in Tasmania yesterday (15 April) at the AUSVEG Future-Proofing the Fresh Vegetable Supply Chain Forum, aiming to address the key challenges facing the vegetable industry.
Amid the wider cost-of-living crisis, Australian vegetable, potato and onion growers are facing their own cost-of-production crisis, compounded by difficulties securing viable farmgate returns, ongoing workforce shortages, compliance overload, a lack of funds to invest in innovation and critically low vegetable consumption among Australians.
With AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Surveys since 2023 repeatedly showing sentiment in the sector has hit and stayed at rock-bottom levels, the forum addressed major challenges facing Australian vegetable growers.
AUSVEG’s most recent survey from January again showed one in three growers are considering leaving the industry in the next year, and that an additional third would go if offered a fair price for their farm.
As the nation gears up for election proceedings, the forum also offered an opportunity for federal politicians and candidates to deliver their commitments – with Coalition, Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Australian Greens, and independent representatives all in attendance.
AUSVEG CEO, Michael Coote, said candidates were given the chance to speak directly to leading vegetable growers about their key challenges and issues, and to commit to leadership and measures that secure the future of a national industry that produces 98 per cent of the fresh vegetables bought and consumed in Australia.
“The challenges of recent years have clearly taken a toll on vegetable growing businesses – with rising input costs, declining returns, reduced productivity, and a volatile business environment pushing many to breaking point,” said Coote.
“The 2025 federal election represents a pivotal moment for Australia’s vegetable industry, with decisions and commitments made in the next few weeks having the potential to set the course for our sector for the years ahead.
“Discussions must be backed with tangible action and commitments from politicians and candidates, before it is too late for a vegetable industry that Tasmania and Australia depends upon,” he said.
