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Imported vegetables lower wholesale prices
20 Jun 2005
Vegetables prices in Sydney fell by 16 per cent in the first quarter of this year despite the drought, with price pressure coming from imported vegetables. Major supermarket chains are now importing more vegetables for use in canned and frozen produce. Growers' body AUSVEG said under Australian quality assurance guidelines local produce has to be clear of 65 chemicals but foreign vegetables coming in are only tested for 25. Woolworths has introduced its own brand of canned peas and corn using Belgian produce under a European Union subsidy. McDonald's has just dumped Australian food processor Simplot from supplying half of all its potato chips. Tasmanian farmers predict the loss of the 40,000 tonne contract will cost the local economy $50 million.
Sun Herald, 19/06/05
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