With the mango harvest concluding and banana and avocado picking in progress, horticulture producers in Far North Queensland (FNQ) are experiencing varied outcomes after recent floods. Earlier this year, persistent rainfall from low-pressure systems led to widespread flooding, impacting crops and farm infrastructure.
Despite challenges like waterlogging and logistical hurdles in moving fruit to market, FNQ producers report robust production and supply of avocados, mangoes, bananas, and lychees. According to James Geary, an agronomist at Nutrien Ag Solutions Mareeba, "Premiums for avocados and mangoes have been particularly good with packouts reaching up to 94 per cent."
Geary noted that the wet conditions affected market logistics, with growers having to manage full cold rooms and explore local market options to keep fruit moving. Pest issues also arose due to limited spray windows, but overall packouts and premiums remained stable.
The ABARES agricultural commodities report forecasts a 4% rise in horticulture production to $18.8 billion by 2025–26, driven by strong domestic output and favorable climate conditions.
As the harvest season winds down, Tegan Brownie, an agronomist at Nutrien Ag Solutions Tolga, mentioned that growers are already considering pricing strategies for the next season. "Mangoes, lemons, and limes have recently wrapped up with an overall good quality harvest while avocado harvest and banana picking is underway," Brownie stated. She added that growers are engaging in pre-season planning, focusing on nutrition and pesticides.
Source: Linkedin