+33 680 38 14 46
Drought not main reason for vegie price rise
Australia
Saturday 13 October 2007
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) says the continuing drought is not the major reason for the increasing price of fruit and vegetables.
This week, a survey revealed the average cost of feeding a family of six has increased by 50 per cent since 2000.
The latest commodity price index shows world prices across the agricultural sector have jumped more than 30 per cent in just 12 months.
NFF economist Charles McElhone says the sector's reliance on the export market is affecting prices.
"There's a whole range of factors at play and I think one of the things we're keen to express is that drought is one of a number of factors," he said.
"But with us being so strongly focused on those export markets, that it is the major factor at play."
This week, a survey revealed the average cost of feeding a family of six has increased by 50 per cent since 2000.
The latest commodity price index shows world prices across the agricultural sector have jumped more than 30 per cent in just 12 months.
NFF economist Charles McElhone says the sector's reliance on the export market is affecting prices.
"There's a whole range of factors at play and I think one of the things we're keen to express is that drought is one of a number of factors," he said.
"But with us being so strongly focused on those export markets, that it is the major factor at play."
