Future-Proofing the Fresh Vegetable Supply Chain Forum provides platform for industry to meet with political leaders
Leading vegetable growers, industry and federal political figures are convening in northern Tasmania on 15 April to address the key challenges facing the vegetable industry during the Ausveg Future-Proofing the Fresh Vegetable Supply Chain Forum.
This was an opportunity is an opportunity for federal politicians and candidates to deliver those commitments ahead of the 3 May federal election, with Coalition, Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Australian Greens, and independent representatives all in attendance.
Ausveg chief executive Michael Coote said the forum is an opportunity for political representatives to speak directly to leading vegetable growers about their key challenges and issues, and to commit to leadership and measures that secure the future of a national industry that produces 98 per cent of the fresh vegetables bought and consumed in Australia.
“The challenges of recent years have clearly taken a toll on vegetable growing businesses – with rising input costs, declining returns, reduced productivity, and a volatile business environment pushing many to breaking point,” Coote said.
“The 2025 federal election represents a pivotal moment for Australia’s vegetable industry, with decisions and commitments made in the next few weeks having the potential to set the course for our sector for the years ahead.
“This forum is a major opportunity for growers in our industry to speak directly with decision makers and political influencers about the future of vegetable production in Australia, and secure commitments that support both the viability of Australia’s vegetable industry, and our national food security.
“Today’s discussions must be backed with tangible action and commitments from politicians and candidates, before it is too late for a vegetable industry that Tasmania and Australia depends upon.”
With Ausvef Industry Sentiment Surveys since 2023 repeatedly showing sentiment in the sector has hit and stayed at rock-bottom levels, the forum will address the major challenges facing Australian and Tasmanian vegetable growers, and solutions to the industry’s key issues.
Ausveg’s most recent survey from January again showed one in three growers are considering leaving the industry in the next year, and that an additional third would go if offered a fair price for their farm.
