A RECENT farming survey from a vegetable peak body has shown that third of Australia’s vegetable growers are considering leaving the industry.

The AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Survey found almost 50 per cent of growers were financially worse-off than a year ago and almost 40 per cent expected to be financially worse off in another year’s time compared to 28 per cent in the middle of 2024.

The survey also found growers were continuing to delay or reduce investing in capital infrastructure improvements, innovation, productivity improvement, and asset maintenance.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said the survey was a ‘worrying sign’ that vegetable growers were still not getting the support they needed.

“Our farmers are clearly struggling,” Mr Littleproud said.

“When supply goes down, prices go up, so 32 per cent of vegetable growers quitting would have huge consequences for families at the supermarket checkout."

Mr Littleproud said the coalition had been calling for supermarket reform since 2022 and that a coalition government would give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) powers to audit a supermarket at any time.

“The Coalition’s plan will create a Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution (from supermarkets).

“This will be a game-changer for farmers and suppliers because it will change culture and protect those who need it most.”