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In June this year, the cost of an iceberg lettuce at the supermarket checkout, peaked at a staggering $12. This humble vegetable, a regular staple on 70% of Australian dinner tables, is amongst the rising food prices that Australians are facing as result of the flooding across QLD.
South East Queensland farms have had 80-90% of crops wiped out and their ability to supply devastated by extensive flooding in the aftermath of months of unseasonable rain. This has led to a sharp price increase beyond the humble lettuce to include many fruits and vegetables.
The Lockyer valley is a key vegetable growing region at this time of year for supermarkets right around the country. Southern states rely on Queensland harvesting and supplying fresh produce during winter and spring due to its warmer weather.
Supply may be further impacted as the Bureau of Meteorology has just predicted higher than average rainfall until October. For farmers this means that in addition to the crops lost in the most recent flooding, ongoing rain will present more challenges for spring planting. For consumers this signals paying more at the checkout for fresh fruit and veg for some time to come.
Additional recovery grants of up to $75,00 have just been announced for primary producers in the Balonne, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs, Somerset, Western Downs and Gympie local government areas. To find out how we’re helping flood-affected primary producers across Australia, visit: Recovery Support