While much of Queensland has experienced heavy rainfalls this summer, apple growers around Stanthorpe, in the Granite Belt south west of Brisbane are facing tough growing conditions due to the drought. Picking of the Gala variety has begun, and growers in the region are reporting smaller and fewer fruit this season, compared to last year. Daniel Nicoletti, head of the Stanthorpe Apple Committee said the fruit they’re picking isn’t too bad considering what it has been through. “They’re... ...Read more »

There is optimism regarding winter crop planting and production because of recent rains across the Australian grains belt, according to ABARE’s June issue of the Australian crop report.”Rainfall in late May and early June was timely for those winter crops that had already been sown and provided an opportunity for remaining planting intentions to be realised,” Phillip Glyde, Executive Director of ABARE, said upon releasing the report. The area sown to winter crops in Australia is... ...Read more »

Australian crop production increased in 2007-08 in comparison to the previous year, but generally remains at among the lowest levels in five years, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The numbers of livestock fell while the horticulture sector reported mixed results. Lack of water was labelled as the major contributor, with a near complete suspension of rice production. Drought conditions and industry adjustments have lead to a decline in livestock, with sheep and... ...Read more »

Ricegrowers Ltd, which trades as SunRice and is one of the world’s largest branded rice companies, has been forced to “downscale” operations as a result of the impact of the drought on their harvest. The actions of the company to cope with the expected low 2009 crop of around 75,000 tonnes were today passed onto employees and shareholders of the company. The company has the capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes each year and this year’s shortfall comes after last year’s... ...Read more »

The 2008-2009 growing season has presented more challenges for the Australian wine industry than would normally be expected in a generation, according to the latest Rabobank report analysing the impact of the heat wave on the Australian wine industry. Hammered by the after-effects of the heat wave, forecasts have tumbled ahead of the 2009 harvest. The Rabobank report says the extent of damage cannot be quantified until the grape harvest is complete, but evidence suggests a wide range of estimated... ...Read more »

A practical new toolkit developed by RMIT University researchers is set to help food manufacturers cut their water use by identifying the processes that use the most water and the changes they can make to reduce their consumption.Supported by the Smart Water Fund, the Water Saver Toolkit was developed in conjunction with the Plenty Food Group, the City of Whittlesea, the City of Hume, Yarra Valley Water and several industrial food manufacturers. Dr Nira Jayasuriya, from RMIT’s School of Civil,... ...Read more »

Severe heat and the devastating fires in southern parts of Australia and flood waters in the north have had a significant impact on the supply of fresh food to supermarkets, Australia’s largest supermarket operator has advised. Woolworths General Manager of Fresh Produce, Mr Michael Batycki, said Woolworths supplies of some fruit and vegetables had been affected by the extreme weather conditions experienced by Australian farmers. “With floods in North Queensland along with bushfires... ...Read more »

Coles will sell produce which has suffered cosmetic blemishes as a result of the heat, but whose eating quality is not affected, Australia’s second largest supermarket operator has advised. Coles Fresh Produce General Manager, Peter Pokorny, said that the chain will offer the fruit and vegetables to their customers in an effort to assist growers counting their losses in response to the heatwave. “Our customers expect our stores to sell only the best quality fresh produce, and we have... ...Read more »

The damage bill for fruit and vegetable growers in Victoria is estimated in the tens of millions of dollars, after a heatwave crippled the state last week. President of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Horticulture Group, Peter Cochrane, has advised that supply will be impacted in coming weeks. “A lot of the salad (phonetic) lines, and leafy vegetable lines have been affected quite badly, and a number of the berries,” he told ABC radio this morning. “A blueberry guy I was... ...Read more »

Continuing unfavourable conditions and a lack of water kept Australian agricultural production down during 2007-08, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. With laws of supply and demand dictating prices, it does not bode well for some food prices, though there were some favourable figures. Rice plantings dropped to the lowest levels since 1927 - from 20,000 hectares in 2006-07 to 3,000 hectares in 2007-08 - while production was down 86% to 23,000 tonnes. Rice has been... ...Read more »