Farmers’ tips for getting cheaper and better quality groceries

As the weekly shop gets more and more expensive, farmers are sharing their tips for getting cheaper, better quality produce.

With the increasing cost of living becoming a big issue in Australia, farmers are sharing their tips on finding the best value groceries.

Their top tips for reducing your food bill are adopting a seasonal diet and doing a price check, because it can vary significantly depending on where you shop.

The peak body for farmers in NSW wanted to know what the experience was like for shoppers buying their produce at the moment, so they sent out farmer members and staff to check out the price and quality at different stores throughout the state.

“It really pays to take the time to have a good look,” NSW Farmers vice president Xavier Martin said.

He encouraged Aussies to venture outside the major supermarket chains for their groceries to try and get a better deal.

“Have a look at your local green grocers, farmers’ market, butcher, bakery. A lot of them have better stocks at a better price, and often fresher and better quality.”

Farmers are sharing their tips to help shoppers get cheaper produce. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

At one of the areas the group investigated this week in southeast Sydney, they found bananas, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes and cucumbers were all at least a dollar a kilo cheaper at a green grocer less than 100 metres from a major supermarket.

They said there were even bigger savings on mushrooms and celery, while onions were less than half the price per kilo than the supermarket.

It might not always be the case, but it is worth a look.

Persimmon grower Chris Stillard and his wife Belinda. Picture: Zoe Phillips

NSW Farmers horticulture committee member Chris Stillard said giving small businesses a go and finding cheaper produce was a win-win.

“There’s always going to be a place for supermarkets to grab your box of cereal or other household items, but for me it’s the butcher, baker and green grocer for most of our food,” he said, pointing out fruit and vegetables there were often better quality because the produce wasn’t kept in cold storage for a long time.

“They get their fruit and veg straight out of the Sydney fruit market straight to their shelves.”

Apple season is in full swing meaning you’re likely to get good value for money. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Another major tip to save money and get the best fruit and vegetables is to eat a seasonal diet.

At the moment for your choice of fruit, Mr Stillard recommends you target apples, bananas and citrus.

Mr Martin and Mr Stillard both pointed out that local green grocers usually stocked what was in season, which led to fully stocked shelves and better prices.

Originally published as Farmers’ tips for getting cheaper and better quality groceries