Vegetable growers’ uncertain future in the sector

Despite successive reports pointing to ongoing disillusion with the sector, it is unclear how many vegetable growers have walked away from their farms.

One in three vegetable growers are considering stepping away from their farms for good, according to a recent survey, as input and labour pressures continue to dog the sector.

But despite successive surveys in the past 12 months reporting enduring grower dissatisfaction with the sector, it is not clear how many producers have actually exited the industry in recent years.

The latest AusVeg industry sentiment report, published Monday, showed one in three surveyed growers, or 34 per cent, were considering exiting the industry in the coming year, with the report stating “growers are leaving the industry. That is obvious from survey responses, and anecdotal reports”.

This figure is down on the 37 per cent considering exiting the industry, as reported by AusVeg earlier this year.

It is understood as the survey is open to active vegetable growers; however, it is not clear how many growers participated in the survey.

AusVeg chief executive Michael Coote said while surveys have noted variations in specific issues and challenges Australian vegetable growers are facing, consistent themes have been reported, “including concerning low sentiment in the industry, fuelled by a crisis in farm profitability”.

Poor retail prices for vegetables has been cited as a reason one in three surveyed vegetable growers are considering stepping away from the industry. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“Unless the situation is turned around, we will continue seeing growers leave the industry which presents serious concerns for the future of Australia’s vegetable industry, and in the longer-term, Australia’s food security,” Mr Coote said.

In July this year, half of surveyed growers noted they were financially worse off than same time last year, with almost 30 per cent indicating they would financially worse off by June 2025.

The report cited operating profit, increase input and labour costs, poor retail prices, and compliance burdens as key factors affecting growers who were considering leaving the sector.