As your fresh produce suppliers, it is important you are kept up to date with the effects of the current drought we are experiencing in several growing regions around Australia.

With production heavily reliant on growing conditions we will see some major effects to some specific lines of fresh produce. Some of these growing regions include Stanthorpe, Shepparton, Mildura, Robinvale, Griffith and Gatton. Farmer’s have reported this drought as their “worst living memory”.

Stanthorpe

This growing region has been so drought effected that they have not commenced planting this season. This will further force prices higher than usual due to limited stock available. We are due to see issues in the next 3 to 4 weeks.

Some produce lines effected include:

• Capsicum
• Roma Tomatoes
• Gourmet Tomatoes

Shepparton, Mildura & Robinvale

With all three growing regions feeding their irrigation through the Murray Darling River system, due to the drought farmers have been forced to pay 4 times the usual rate for water to draw from their allocation. As this may be a costly exercise forcing them to minimise their usage, we will see quality impacted and availability limited.

Some produce lines effected include:

• Apples
• Pears
• Citrus
• Grapes
• Capsicums
• Cabbage
• Tomatoes
• Pumpkin

Griffith

With water allocations 4 times the usual rate from the Murrumbidgee river system farmers are reluctant to irrigate and have limited allocation. The area is technically not in drought however the circumstances of reduced irrigation will have a direct effect on quality, size and availability.

Some produce lines effected include:

• Citrus
• Melons
• Stonefruit
• Onions

Gatton

Being a high production area for Onions & Potatoes the reduced amount of water available will effect size & quality of the produce. If rain does not fall soon, they will not be able to re plant for next year.