Vegetable Prices Soar as Growers Struggle

0:00Vestable prices across Australia are set to climb, as growers scale back planting amid soaring fertilizer and fuel costs tied to the Middle East, conflict. A recent survey by industry group AUSV found three-quarters of growers critically low on fuel with diesel prices jumping 75% and freight surcharges up 38%. Half also reported fertilizer shortages, some was supplies lasting just another week. Growers say they cannot keep absorbing these costs, which now make up 88% of expenses, squeezing farm profits already thin for years. Hostsillers are already paying 5-10% more, and those hikes will trickle down to shoppers. Australia produces around 10,000 tons of fresh vegetables daily and remains mostly self-sufficient, but prolonged disruptions could lead to. Supply drops if planting stalls further. AUSVG leaders are calling on the government to prioritize diesel, fertilizer, and freight for growers. For now, experts from the New South Wales Farmers Association urge consumers not to panic,

1:05noting supermarket contracts will hold prices steady. Short-term and shoppers can switch to more affordable options like potatoes over pricier greens. We'll keep watching how this unfolds. I'm Cory with the story. That's your Sydney News Today update, AI-powered and always on.