By Jeremy Cook
Queensland farmers will be taught how to better negotiate with supermarkets to get a fairer price on their produce at a series of workshops to be held in each major growing region.
The workshops will form part of a farm gate price monitoring trial which Premier Steven Miles said will analyse trends across the top 20 products produced by farmers.
The industry-led trial will collate what price farmers are getting for their products each week compared to what retailers are selling it for. The data will be analysed against historical trends with information gathered to be later used in establishing industry pricing standards.
Workshops held in each major growing region will seek to upskill growers in the art of negotiation to ensure they are confident when dealing with retailers.
Premier Miles said the trial aimed to support farmers in understanding the true cost of their production at a time when consumers are favouring cheaper, packaged foods over fresh produce like fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy.
“I shared a story earlier this year of a farmer selling watermelons by the road for $10 each, because he couldn’t afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,” he said.
“It’s a story that is all too familiar for those in the industry and something growers tell me is happening more and more often.
“I want farmers to be equipped with the information and training they need to back themselves and advocate for their product.
“Our produce is the envy of the world so it’s time our farmers were rewarded for their hard work.”
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the trial scheme was welcome news for producers who “deserve to earn a fair return for keeping food on our plates”.
Southern Downs MP James Lister said he welcomed any initiative which protected farmers from the monopolistic conduct of the big supermarkets, but claimed the government had refused to investigate the major causes of rising production costs.
“Speak to any of our farmers and they’ll tell you that the skyrocketing costs of water, electricity, freight, insurance, fuel etc have been crippling to them,” Mr Lister said.
“What is the government doing about getting more and cheaper water available for our farmers?
“The government has played silly buggers for years and years rather than actually progress irrigation water security for our farmers.”
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive Rachel Chambers hailed the announcement which she said was about “levelling the playing field”.
“We know Queensland’s produce holds more value than what is currently being paid and we are going to do all we can to support our growers to achieve a fair return at market.
“We also know consumers deserve access to affordable, quality Queensland grown produce, guaranteed for generations to come.”
Queensland Farmers Federations chief executive Jo Sheppard praised the government’s willingness to partner with industry stakeholders. Ms Sheppard described the produce prices as a “critical issue” for farmers and consumers.
“Market transparency and fair trading terms need to be improved to ensure the future viability of farmers and everyday Australian’s ability to access and afford Australian food,” she said.
“Food insecurity in Australia and globally is rising. We cannot sit on our laurels.
“We must work to support a sustainable future for food and fibre production for the benefit of future generations.”
A state parliamentary inquiry, launched in March, will continue to probe the impact of rising supermarket prices throughout Queensland while recommending ways to increase price transparency for consumers and producers.
The inquiry will hear from industry stakeholders at a series of public hearings in Brisbane starting Monday 29 April.
