Australia: drought and high A$ dealing a heavy blow to fruit and veg industry

Apples and pears: the continued drought has affected apple and pear production, although both are projected to increase slightly in 2008, assuming normal weather. Exports have been held in check by reduced production and the strong A$. It is hoped that the projected increase in 2008 production should see higher exports.
Citrus and Grapes: The drought has hit Mildura so hard that some growers are pulling out their vines and citrus trees, and farmers who couldn't quite go that far are putting at least some of their permanent plantings into hibernation in the hope that water allocations or rainfall will increase soon.
Fruit industry representatives are now warning that less locally grown fruit will be available into the future, and it could take the industry years to recover.
Asparagus: Asparagus growers in Victoria's north-west says it's not just the lack of water that's made this season tough - it's the export market and high exchange rate, with some asparagus selling for less than the cost of production.
The high Aussie dollar, and a low Japanese Yen, makes a poor exchange rate, which meant exporting wasn't cost effective. This year exports of asparagus to Japan were over in one week.