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A complex situation for Australian citrus growers
Australia
Monday 20 May 2024
FJ
Faced with the erosion of their margins, many small citrus growers are uprooting their trees and abandoning citrus for other crops. But one positive point is emerging. Australian production can meet domestic demand for juice (Photo: agric.wa.gov.au).
Faced with exponentially rising production costs (inputs, labour, energy), prices offered by supermarket chains and increasing volumes of imported fruit, many small citrus growers are abandoning this type of crop.
The Australian media report on the complex situation of small citrus growers in Western Australia. Faced with the erosion of their margins, with production costs rising exponentially while prices obtained from supermarket chains remain stable, many small citrus growers are uprooting their trees and abandoning citrus in favour of other crops.
One grower was quoted as saying that he gets the same prices for his citrus fruit as he did 10 years ago. Another grower believes that margins should be higher by growing parakeet feed rather than citrus. For another grower, the prices are becoming incomprehensible, pointing out that imported citrus fruit wholesales at AUD 4 per kilo (USD 2.67) while Australian citrus fruit is paid just AUD 2 (USD 1.34).
Citrus Australia has expressed concern about the situation. But one positive point is emerging. The global fruit juice market is dominated by Brazil and Florida. Florida is unable to increase its production and Brazil can no longer meet world demand. Australian production can meet domestic demand for juice. Fruit that does not meet retailer requirements can be used for juice. The price of 'second fruits' has risen from AUD 20 (USD 13.34) per tonne to AUD 200 (USD 133.43) per tonne.
source : abc.net.au
