Vegetable growers, industry representatives, and federal political figures are meeting in northern Tasmania today for the AUSVEG Future-Proofing the Fresh Vegetable Supply Chain Forum. The forum aims to address the key challenges facing Australia's vegetable industry and explore possible policy responses ahead of the federal election on 3 May.
Held at a time when the sector faces significant structural and economic pressures, the event includes participation from representatives of the Coalition, Labor, the Jacqui Lambie Network, the Australian Greens, and independent candidates.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the forum allows growers to communicate directly with policymakers and candidates about the challenges impacting their operations and the broader vegetable supply chain. These include rising input costs, declining farm gate returns, and persistent workforce shortages.
"The forum provides an opportunity for growers and political representatives to discuss the future direction of Australia's vegetable sector and consider what support is needed to maintain production and contribute to national food security," Coote said.
The Australian vegetable industry supplies 98 percent of the fresh vegetables consumed domestically. However, recent years have seen the sector under pressure due to increased costs, market volatility, and regulatory demands.
According to AUSVEG's most recent sentiment survey in January 2025, one in three vegetable growers is considering exiting the industry within the next year, with another third saying they would do so if they received a fair price for their farms. These findings reflect continued low confidence among growers, which AUSVEG surveys have consistently recorded since 2023.
In addition to financial pressures, the sector faces challenges, including low domestic vegetable consumption, limited investment capacity, compliance burdens, and skills shortages.
In November 2024, AUSVEG released its 2025 Federal Election Priorities, outlining 21 proposed commitments for consideration by all political parties and candidates. These priorities include a proposed $125 million five-year national campaign to encourage increased vegetable consumption, improved support for workforce and skills development, measures to streamline compliance processes, and proposals to enhance investment in farm operations and infrastructure.
Today's discussions will focus on how these and other policy measures could be used to stabilise and support the sector. The event takes place at Harvest Moon, 288 Leith Road, Forth, Tasmania, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For more information:
Campbell Cooney
AUSVEG
Tel: +61 (0) 437 278 464
Email: campbell.cooney@ausveg.com.au
www.ausveg.com.au