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Avocado growers suffer disease and low prices
Australia
Thursday 29 May 2008
Australian avocado growers are having a season they'd rather forget, with the farm-gate price for the Hass variety reaching its lowest point in five years.
Adding to growers' pain, the Far North Queensland industry is suffering severe root rot and fungal problems in thousands of trees.
Atherton grower Jim Kochi says oversupply at key times has pushed avocado prices below the cost of production.
"We're certainly coping a flogging in regard to pricing with avocados," he said.
"I saw on a catalogue for one of the chain stores here locally in Cairns, 86 cents for a piece of fruit.
"That's a rock bottom price, it really hurts at that price."
Adding to growers' pain, the Far North Queensland industry is suffering severe root rot and fungal problems in thousands of trees.
Atherton grower Jim Kochi says oversupply at key times has pushed avocado prices below the cost of production.
"We're certainly coping a flogging in regard to pricing with avocados," he said.
"I saw on a catalogue for one of the chain stores here locally in Cairns, 86 cents for a piece of fruit.
"That's a rock bottom price, it really hurts at that price."
