Growers fight for sustainable future
By Deanne Jeffers
IN A strong push for immediate reforms, Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) has voiced its support for the recent Senate inquiry recommendations aimed at curbing unfair supermarket pricing practices. FGV chairman and fifth generation grower in Ardmona, Mitch McNab, has urged parliament to take swift action, warning that the viability of fruit production in Australia is at stake.
“This is an important problem to fix,” McNab said. “If growers continue to be forced into growing fruit below cost of production, fruit production will become unviable.” He emphasised that while the Senate inquiry’s recommendations are a step in the right direction, the time for discussion is over. “We need to get on with making real practical changes.”
FGV has long advocated for key changes, including enhanced powers and resources for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor supply chains, increase price transparency, and crack down on poor supermarket behaviour. Additionally, FGV supports making the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory.
McNab called for bipartisan support to implement these recommendations, stressing that it is crucial for the long-term viability of growers. “This needs support from both sides of politics so we can get on with fixing this problem. Our growers need these changes to ensure their long-term viability.”
The call for immediate action has been echoed by Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Shane Sali and Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, who have criticised the current federal and state governments for their policies, which Birrell claims are undermining agricultural and food processing businesses.
Birrell highlighted the struggles faced by Kagome Australia, the country’s largest tomato processor based in Echuca, due to rising energy costs and policy uncertainty.
“Businesses need the right tools in order to operate with confidence,” Birrell said, pointing to the significant pressures from failed energy policies. He noted that Kagome Australia’s energy bill has increased by $2M, a stark example of the broader challenges facing the sector.
Birrell emphasised that the Labor government’s focus on green policies has not addressed the immediate needs of key industries, including food production. “It is past time for Labor to support the businesses who make things in Australia now and protect their future,” he said.
Cr Sali said the call from FGV and McNab must be taken seriously. “Growers cannot continue to grow fruit below cost of production. It is not sustainable for a business of any sot. It is time for the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct to be made mandatory,” he said.
“Our region has been built on agriculture and it forms an important part of our economy with the majority of pears grown in Australia being from Greater Shepparton.
“These recommendations need to be supported to ensure the long-term viability of our local growers and our region, and to maintain our status as the Food Bowl of Australia,” Cr Sali said.
As the debate continues, the message from Fruit Growers Victoria and other stakeholders is clear: meaningful, immediate action is essential to protect Australia’s fruit growers and ensure the sustainability of local food production.
