Extreme weather conditions sees food prices soar

You might notice meat prices going up and limited supplies of fruit vegetables in coming weeks, as extreme weather conditions take their toll at supermarkets.

EXTREME weather conditions are taking a toll at shops across the state, with meat prices soaring and fruit and vegetable production under pressure.

A new report from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources revealed the intense heat, dry conditions and high water prices in January affected the production of berries, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and leafy vegetables.

Heatwave conditions ‘relentless’: Farmers

“The extreme weather has meant some fruit and vegetables will be limited in supply over the coming weeks to months,” a Coles spokesman said.

“There may also be minor cosmetic blemishes on some of our fresh produce; we encourage our customers to help support the farmers.”

Brent and Stephanie Mlady at home with sons Oscar, 3, and Louis, 1, and produce which has increased in price due to extreme weather conditions. Picture: Tara Croser

Meat and Livestock Australia chief marketing and communications officer Lisa Sharp said the recent weather in northern Queensland had been devastating and extremely tough.

“While we don’t know the full extent of livestock losses yet, it is becoming clear from reports that losses in the affected regions have been severe. The overriding factor influencing and driving Australia’s cattle market and prices continues to be the extreme drought.”

Coles and Woolworths have both raised wholesale meat prices for beef and cattle to absorb the costs.

“Recently, we have seen increased cattle and lamb prices in Australia, due to a number of factors, including export demand, grain pricing and drought conditions,” a Coles spokesman said.

“Coles has sought to absorb some of this increased cost in order to continue providing customers value, however the price of some products has been increased to reflect a portion of the higher sourcing costs.”

Meat at Billy’s butcher Peter Herman said prices had gone up slightly due to drought, and also due to the increase of the price of grain. “With our side of things, in the retail side, we try to absorb as much as we can.”

He said on a general scale the price increase was usually a couple of dollars more per kilo, but said if customers wanted to save money they could buy other cuts of meat which was “a great way to try new foods”.

Salisbury mum Stephanie Mlady said she had noticed the increase in costs on her weekly shopping trips. “Particularly some of our household staples like cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potato, cabbage, strawberries and bananas.

“The price increase means we are having some meat-free meals and coming up with alternatives that fit our budget.”

PRICE COMPARISON

March 2018 March 2019

Lamb midloin chops $23kg $26kg

Rump steak $21kg $23kg

Broccoli $3kg $4.90kg

Raspberries $3/125g punnet $3.50/125g punnet

Strawberries $2.80 punnet $3.00 punnet

BRISBANE MEAT PRICE INCREASE

12 months 5 years

Lamb and goat 12.8% 34%

Beef and veal 1.9% 28.7%

Pork 0.6% 1%

Poultry 1.5% 1.2%

Source: ABS