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Fruit, vegetable prices rise with temperature
9 Feb 2009
The era of cheap, high quality fruit and vegetables may be over says Horticulture Australia Council CEO Kris Newton. Heatwave conditions in the last month is south east Australia are expected to drive fruit prices up significantly this quarter. Fruit prices rose eight per cent in the last three months of 2008 while vegetable prices rose 3.3 per cent. "Grapes, including table grapes and most of the stone fruit -- nectarines, peaches -- will be severely impacted. It is probably too early to tell yet what impact it will have on apples and pears. In addition to the plant material itself being crisped, you have severe concerns about whether you are going to be able to keep your plantings alive," he said. In addition to the extreme heat conditions this season, the ongoing long dry period in Australia is threatening the viability of the local growing industry says Horticulture Australia.
The Australian, 09/02/2009
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