AUSVEG joins Global Coalition of Fresh Produce

Australia’s vegetable industry lobby has joined a global coalition of other peak bodies from the USA, Canada and Europe.

AUSVEG has joined forces with a powerful global collective to enhance market opportunities for local growers and improve the industry’s resilience against international headwinds.

The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce was recently created in recognition of the challenging environment faced by fresh produce growers since the Covid pandemic.

The body representing Australian vegetable and potato growers has joined other peak bodies from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, South America and Africa.

AUSVEG chief executive officer Michael Coote. Picture: Supplied

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the organisation joined the GCFP to maximise opportunities for growers through combined lobbying, collaboration, and shared learnings.

“We often feel that the problems we face in Australia are unique, but the concerns of the coalition members are the same as ours,” he said.

“Growers around the globe are feeling squeezed by retailers, overburdened with compliance,

struggling with increasing input costs and battling workforce shortages.”

Others issues include supply chain disruptions, declining vegetable consumption and rising interest rates that are forcing many growers to reassess their futures in the industry.

They are also threatening the long-term economic sustainability of the fresh produce sector and food security.

Mr Coote said the group will also address and promote issues around chronic diseases being caused by poor diets as new research shows life expectancy in Australia is predicted to decline in the future due to poor dietary habits.

The coalition will use its collective power to lobby the World Health Organisation and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation on the issues.