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While some weather events impacted supplies of various lines of fresh produce at the beginning of 2023, the exit of La Niña conditions after three years of turmoil has ensured a more stable start than previous years.

Economic challenges abound at the moment, and it will be interesting to see the impact these have on the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.

As pointed out by our wholesalers in this edition’s Fresh Perspectives (see page 18), the central markets play a valuable, albeit oft-overlooked, link in Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.

The work undertaken by wholesalers shows just how essential this service is to Australian growers, buyers and consumers.

At Brisbane Markets alone, over 700 million kilograms of fresh produce worth over $2 billion coming through the gates annually, and over 7,500 people work or do business at the 150 businesses that operate on site. These businesses then go on to service thousands of businesses across Queensland, Northern Territory and northern NSW.

With Brisbane being Australia’s third largest central market, it is clear that central markets play an important part in our economy. You can read more about the central market system and from some Brisbane Markets wholesalers on pages 11 to 19.

Even with the impact of flood restoration and resiliencebuilding projects (see page 9 for more), Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has achieve a solid return for investors as can be seen in the release of our half-year results on page 8.

Despite challenges from weather events, subcontractor shortages and supply chain issues, BML has continued to push ahead with the new Building H1 in the South Gate West (SGW) Precinct, which reached practical completion in March and is now in the hands of tenant, Green Endeavour (see page 6 for more information).

The development is another jewel in the Brisbane Markets crown, showcasing the innovation that can be achieved when the market landlord and tenants come together to create infrastructure that is purpose-built for Brisbane Markets based businesses.

While Building H1 embraces the sustainability and educational goals of Green Endeavour, the 5,541 m² Building C1, completed in 2019, met the ripening and packaging needs of the tenant, while the 6,362 m² and Building E1, delivered in 2021, focused on providing dedicated domestic and export product, warehousing and distribution facilities.

Both Buildings E1 and H1 are located in SGW and with expanded premises comes more demand for parking. To facilitate the expansion of SGW, BML is proceeding with the development of a 320-space parking facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 (see page 7 for more information).

BML’s focus on tenant needs is no more evident than in the unprecedented levels of tenant applications for alterations and additions to existing premises at the Brisbane Markets.

This is seeing tenants investing in upgrading projects such as new office fit outs, new cold room builds, modifications for the more efficient use of existing warehouse space as well as upgrading of existing cold room plant and equipment.

The sheer volume of requests to modify space to cope with growing business needs reflects a strong industry, and one that BML continues to invest in to fulfill our mission to provide infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce, flowers and other ancillary products.

Andrew Young, Managing Director and CEO - BML Chief Executive Officer - Brismark

Donate Your Surplus Food To Feed Families In Need

Foodbank Queensland works with Brisbane Markets to rescue food, reduce waste and fight hunger. Working together, more than 460,000 kilograms of fresh food is collected by Foodbank at Brisbane Markets each year and distributed to Queenslanders in need. That’s the equivalent of 830,000 meals provided to children and adults experiencing hunger. Donating surplus or imperfect food enables Brisbane Markets stallholders to directly provide benefits to people who are living in disadvantaged circumstances, while also having a positive impact on the environment.

Benefits to Stallholders:

• Save on your waste disposal costs

• Reduce the volume of food going into landfill

• Provide food directly to people in need

• Simple one call pick up process

• Positively impact staff morale

• Ease of equipment transfer

foodbank.org.au

@foodbankqld

3 Step s ToDonateSurplus

Food:

1 Call 0447 153 481

2 Set aside surplus food

3 Food is collected same day

Food is distributed to people in need

Building H1 proves a Green Endeavour

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) reached an important milestone in March 2023, handing over occupancy of its latest development to Brisbane Markets tenant, Green Endeavour.

The completed warehouse and administration building has a total lettable area of 6,144 m², including the main warehouse, an administration hub over two levels, and a rooftop terrace and garden.

“This is an incredible achievement,” said BML Chair, Anthony Kelly.

“It is not only exciting that we are delivering our third major warehouse development in five years, but also encouraging that we continue to meet the needs of our tenants in providing the infrastructure necessary for their businesses to expand and grow.”

Adam Dilworth can attest that, as a Managing Director of Green Endeavour, a joint venture between Fruitlink and

Suncoast Fresh, he knows firsthand how important it is to have the right space to run your business.

“We had a situation where we had two businesses, both growing beyond our existing warehouse space, and now to have this warehouse, it feels like unlimited potential,” said Mr Dilworth.

“We’re so pleased with the support we received from BML, not just for this build, but over a long time.

“Our first build on site was back in 1998 and I remember thinking we were never going to fill that warehouse, and look how far we’ve come,” he said.

Despite challenges with the construction, including subcontractor and materials shortages, and the flooding of the Brisbane Markets site a year ago, Max Burns, Managing Director of SBP Australia Pty Ltd, said he and his team enjoyed delivering the project.

“We always enjoy working with BML,” said Mr Burns.

“Even with the challenges we’ve faced over the past year, the fulfilment for us comes from watching the Brisbane Markets grow – it’s a great industry to be a part of.”

Green Endeavour Director, Graeme Twine, said the new warehouse will allow both businesses to offer supreme service to their customers under the Green Endeavour banner.

“By combining the two businesses in modern facilities, we will actually be able to save money on our energy costs and reduce other costs simply by working together,” said Mr Twine.

“The facility is not only created to look after the produce, but it’s also going to be an environment where people are going to want to come to work.”

The finished product: The completed Building H1 warehouse.

What’s in a build?

Following a design development process which commenced in early 2021 and a 14-month construction period, the new Building H1 occupies the raised development pad in the South Gate West warehouse precinct and features:

• One freezer

• One dispatch room

• One heavy produce room

• Seven cold rooms

• 11 loading docks

• 3,360 m² hardstand

• 4,100 m³ concrete

• 20 km of general wiring/6 km of data cabling

• 1,000 m of cable tray

• 2,500 m of PVC electrical conduit

• 1,000 m of fibre optic cable

• 370 tonnes of structural steel

• 1,336 pallet spaces

New parking facility supports expansion

It’s full steam ahead for BML’s project to build a new parking facility at South Gate West (SGW).

The parking facility is designed to provide more accessible parking for Building H1 and contingency for future developments in the SGW precinct.

Initial conceptual designs, development application and Stage 1 bulk earth works were completed in 2022.

A retaining wall was completed in late February 2023, located to the west of the parking facility construction site, to maintain the integrity of the adjacent future development building pad.

Further bulk earth works were completed in March 2023, using excess fill from the Building H1 development. This second stage of works has given BML the opportunity to modify the design to better suit tenant operational requirements.

Once development approval is received for the design adjustment, construction works will progress with the installation of underground services, such as stormwater, electrical and communications conduits, and the asphalt surface once completed.

The new parking facility is expected to be completed in late 2023 and will feature approximately 320 open air parking spaces.

The official handover of keys for Building H1 was attended by Green Endeavour’s Doug Rylance, Duane Ashton and Adam Dilworth, with BML Chair, Anthony Kelly, SBP Australia’s Max Burns and BML Deputy Chair, Peter Tighe.

Plenty of space: Inside the main dispatch area of Building H1.

BML announces half-year results

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) continues to produce solid returns for shareholders, despite a challenging economic climate.

BML recently announced its half-year financial results to 31 December 2022, achieving an operating profit before tax for the half-year of $7.90 million.

This operating profit excludes the valuation adjustment for the Brisbane Markets and the Perth Markets Limited contribution. The statutory net profit of the group after income tax for the half-year ended 31 December 2022 was a loss of $4.17 million. The results reflect an increase in insurance, interest rate and resourcing costs along with a decrease to the property valuation of $14.13 million, with the Brisbane Markets site property value recorded as $430 million at 31 December 2021.

Total assets increased by 1.02% since June 2022 to $512.15 million, while net assets decreased by 2.91% to $259.36 million.

BML announced an interim dividend to be paid to shareholders for the half-year of 8.25 cents per share, fully franked.

BML Chair, Anthony Kelly, said the dividend reflected the continuing solid underlying performance despite a challenging year.

“As a Board, we expected that cost increases due to rising insurance and interest rates, combined with the recovery effort from last year’s flood event, would impact the company’s performance,” Mr Kelly said.

“BML does not pass insurance costs relating to flood on to tenants, so there were significant costs for the company to absorb in supporting tenant businesses.

“Accordingly, BML has offset the challenging economic environment by implementing internal cost efficiencies to reduce expenditure without reducing service delivery to tenants.”

Building for tenant success

A new extension to Building N is set to improve cold chain management and increase efficiencies for Brisbane Markets wholesaler tenant.

The 610 m² PIR insulated panel extension will provide additional storage and packing areas together with an awning over the entrance to the existing dry storage area. The works also included the creation of 19 replacement parking spaces at the southern elevation of the warehouse.

Joint Managing Director, Paul Joseph, said that Alfred E. Chave had transformed a lot over the last few years and had an increasing requirement for more temperature-controlled picking space.

“It allows us to pick orders throughout the night and the extension provides a

staging area to keep produce at optimal temperatures longer, to better service our buyers.”

According to Mr Joseph, not only would the new extension improve the buyer experience, it would also create efficiencies within the business.

“In the original space, we were finding that our storage rooms were getting congested at peak times and staff had to wait for others to finish to complete their tasks. The extension is our opportunity to reduce this congestion,” he said. BML commenced the project in September 2022, with the extension handed over to the tenant in midFebruary 2023. The extension has increased the gross lettable area of the building from 1,516 m² to 2,126 m².

BML Chair, Anthony Kelly, said: “This is yet another construction project which will improve infrastructure at the Brisbane Markets. As tenant businesses grow, BML is committed to investing in site infrastructure that meets their requirements.”

Mr Joseph said that working with BML and builder, SBP Australia, was a straightforward process.

“We had a good grasp on what our requirements were and SBP has extensive experience in building cold rooms, they are really great to work with, and with BML’s oversight, you know that everything will be completed properly,” Mr Joseph said.

Expanding with tenants: The new extension to Building N.

The interior of the new extension.

Building flood resilience at Brisbane Markets

BML is expanding on its robust flood mitigation strategy at Brisbane Markets.

A crucial component of the strategy is the implementation of an updated early warning system and increased access to the site before and after a flooding event.

Works are underway for new flood monitoring systems at the lowest areas in the Northern Industrial and South Gate precincts of the Brisbane Markets which will provide accurate Australian Height Datum (AHD) flood water levels. The flood monitoring system will take into account tidal information plus predictive data on peak flood levels based on current rainfall, and information on when the Markets will become accessible to vehicles.

A feasibility assessment on raising the Curzon Street roadway and bridge to 7 m AHD is nearing completion, with the application seeking Brisbane City Council approval for this project being developed for lodgement.

This important project will achieve a later exit from the Markets and earlier return following a flood event, noting that currently Curzon Street floods at 5.456 m AHD at its lowest point.

BML Chair, Anthony Kelly, said that Brisbane Markets is a major economic hub and every moment without trade after a flood event has flow on effects to the state’s economy including retail, logistics and growing regions.

“By increasing the height of the Curzon Street entrance, we can increase the time the site remains accessible during flood events and reduce the time taken to regain access as flood waters recede.

“These works build upon the work done after the 2011 flood and cement BML’s focus on site resilience, with $6.93 million in flood mitigation projects to be progressively rolled out over the coming years.”

One of the key learnings from the 2022 flood event is that infrastructure and services recovery is contingent on lead times for components comprising tenancy distribution boards, main building boards and dock levellers.

“Supply chain impacts can delay the arrival and increase the cost of the critical parts and spares needed to reestablish markets services,” said BML Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young.

“This is especially the case when a natural disaster impacts the majority of the eastern seaboard of Australia.”

To reduce the impact of future delays, considerable work has been undertaken by BML to purchase, sort and pack a repository of the critical spares required to facilitate immediate repairs to electrical, sewer and dock leveller infrastructure. These critical spares are stored above peak flood levels and are reserved for natural disaster recovery works only.

“The stockpiling of critical spares will help our Tenants get up and running as fast as possible after a natural disaster, by progressing restoration works without extended lead times and at a reasonable price point,” said Mr Young.

A staged program of works is underway to elevate critical electrical infrastructure including main building boards and

sewer pump station control panels above 9.5 m AHD to dramatically reduce the potential for flood water ingress and damage.

A project to replace Brisbane Markets’ fire detection and alarm system, including fire indicator panels across this site, is underway with all technical design specifications for a new sitewide system now complete and tender documents distributed.

The new fire indicator panels will all be installed above peak flood levels and mimic panels installed for monitoring by BML and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. The mimic panels are removeable in the event of a flood and are readily replaceable if damaged by a flood. However, the main dry fire system will be protected from any future flood event, which will prevent any outage of detection and alarm services.

New access stairs and an elevated platform at Building I were installed in February, elevating the building’s main distribution board above flood level. Similar works are almost completed at Building Z with further stages of this flood mitigation project being progressed over the next 18 months. This complements BML’s earlier flood mitigation works that occurred following the 2011 flood event.

Raising infrastructure: Important services infrastructure continues to be raised above flood height at Brisbane Markets.

Rapid recovery: While these shipping containers don’t look like much, the critical spares being stored within will prove crucial to disaster recovery at Brisbane Markets.

What are Australia’s central markets?

Central markets have played a key role in the supply marketing and distribution of fresh produce in Australia for over 200 years.

As each capital city was established, so too was a wholesale fruit and vegetable market to service fruit carts and shop fronts in the surrounding communities. In Brisbane, this first occurred in 1868 – 60 years after the first central market was established in Sydney.

Since then, central markets have played an essential role in the national horticulture supply chain, ensuring produce gets from growers to local fruit and veg shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, export operators and other food service providers in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Central markets act as a one-stop shop for all lines of fresh fruit and vegetables, offering a large customer base in one location, an orderly and open trading system, and providing access to credit services, marketing, warehousing, cold rooms, unloading and quality assurance programs.

In Australia, all central markets have

a market landlord and a wholesaler organisation. At Brisbane Markets, these are Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark respectively, and while they are very separate organisations, they share a Chief Executive Officer in Andrew Young.

“Central market wholesalers are in a unique position to receive all varieties and grades of produce from growers and find an appropriate buyer,” Mr Young said.

“Without central markets, growers and retailers alike would be spending all their time on the phone managing sales and logistics, rather than growing and selling the fresh produce needed to keep Australian consumers fed and healthy.”

All wholesaler organisations are a member of industry body Fresh Markets Australia, while all market landlords are members of the Central Markets Association of Australia.

Every year, they come together as Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets (AFPM) to sponsor the Hort Connections trade show and increase awareness of the role of central markets. AFPM also runs the A better

choice! program, aimed at increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables supplied through the central market supply chain via more than 550 independent fruit and vegetable retailers across Australia.

Twin responsibilities: CEO of Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark, Andrew Young.

Supporting wholesalers and growers

More than 5,000 Australian growers send their crops to the Brisbane Produce Market (BPM) each year.

Wholesalers at the BPM understand that growers are the lifeblood of the fresh produce industry. As the first link in the supply chain, wholesalers and retailers rely on and support growers who work hard to produce the best fresh produce in the world.

Brismark, the BPM’s wholesaler membership organisation, provides industry representation, advocacy and services to support the wholesaling sector of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

BPM wholesalers are committed to maintaining strong business relationships with growers based on communication and integrity and BPM, as an industry body, actively maintains relationships with grower representative organisations.

Brismark offers a range of services to its members that growers can also take advantage of, including:

• Operation of a Credit Service facility for more than 40 years, offering

security for wholesalers in their financial dealings and indirectly protecting growers who supply to them.

• Debt Recovery Solutions – available to all creditors for debt incurred both inside and outside the Brisbane Markets.

• A range of on-site member services and training to assist wholesalers with their business operations.

• Horticulture Code of Conduct support, information, and updates.

• Commitment to nurturing grower relationships including hosting grower visits, tours and liaising with grower associations.

• Dispute Resolution Hotline, with Brismark providing a free service for more than 15 years to investigate and settle disagreements between growers and wholesalers - call 1800 631 002.

• Coordinating FreshTest, a low-cost chemical residue and microbial testing service available to growers through Brismark wholesalers.

• Providing support on FreshSpecs, uniform produce standards for fresh

produce.

• An online produce matching tool to assist growers to find the right Brismark member for their produce line.

• Marketing support to local, independent fruit and veg shops through the A better choice! retailer program.

Early every morning, the Brisbane Produce Market comes to life to ensure fresh produce makes its way to Queensland’s consumers.

The so unique selection of So Crisp

Brisbane Markets wholesaler, So Crisp, is no stranger to the weird and wonderful, stocking even the most obscure lines to meet growing consumer demand.

With Queensland households consuming over 200 kg of fruit and veg annually (Harvest to Home, 2023), and more than 27% of our nation’s population being born overseas (ABS, 2021), it is no wonder So Crisp’s selection has a willing audience.

Operating out of the Brisbane Markets for over 30 years, owners Craig and Sherie Chard said they are well known for offering an extensive range, including more unusual picks like taro, fresh Australian dates, gooseberries, jackfruit, okra and heirloom tomatoes.

“In the early days, most wholesalers specialised in just a few selected products. Our specialty was having a full range of produce,” Mr Chard said.

As a wide range became common practice around the markets, Mr and Mrs Chard, alongside their son, Mark Van Der Meeden, continued to expand their range to keep up with changing tastes.

“Restaurants were looking for ingredients for specialty dishes. Initially, the requirements were limited, but the demand was there, so we sourced interesting lines for customers. As the demand developed, we diversified our range even further,” Mrs Chard said.

According to Mr Chard, their produce range has only continued to expand alongside the increased demand for

“Over the past few years, we’ve had the opportunity to do business with people of all different backgrounds. The ethnic diversity in the markets has really helped sustain the demand for those rarer lines,” Mr Chard said.

“Consequently, buyers have a more varied customer base, focusing on gourmet produce.”

Nathan Graves is a buyer for A better choice! retailer, The Standard Market Company. He believes that purchasing through the Brisbane Markets makes it easier to access these rare produce lines.

“I can access a wide range of fresh produce in one place to meet the needs and tastes of our diverse customer base. Wholesalers such as So Crisp also give me access to rare lines that would normally be difficult to source,” Mr Graves said.

“It simplifies the entire process and gives our customers more choice.”

Boasting over 50 years of experience, from family farms to retailing and wholesaling, Mr Chard’s knowledge of Australian horticulture allows him to understand where he can source exotic finds. He also cites a strong relationship with their nation-wide network of growers as a major factor in their success.

“When there is a demand for a new product, we will either source a current grower, or we suggest new crops to growers looking to expand their range,” Mr Chard said.

“Many new growers in the market are sent to us because of our range of produce and the valuable advice we offer. We then develop and maintain that relationship and can control our supply according to market needs.”

Diverse tastes: So Crisp’s Craig Chard and Mark Van Der Meeden. diversity from market buyers.

From farm to fam: 101 years of O’Toole’s

The horticulture industry is founded on family, with many growers, wholesalers and retailers citing family members from generations past as the origins of their businesses.

One such multi-generational family business is prominent Brisbane Markets wholesaler, O’Toole Produce, which is celebrating 101 years of business this year. Specialising in trading potatoes, pumpkin, onions and melons, O’Toole Produce Principal, Paul O’Toole, said his business offered customers a wealth of knowledge and experience gathered across four generations of his family, including Paul’s wife Bernice and their sons, Tim and Matt.

“At our core, we are a family business with the goal of supporting each other through tough times – a support we try to extend to our clients and community at the Brisbane Markets. Suppliers and buyers will trade regularly if your reputation and service is reliable,” Mr O’Toole said.

O’Toole Produce was started by Mr O’Toole’s grandfather, Hugh, in 1922. Noting an opportunity to trade the oversupply of potatoes in Illowa, south-west Victoria, Hugh founded the merchant business H. O’Toole, relying on the promised supply from local farmers and the support of his five brothers.

“My grandfather was a very hard worker and was very dedicated to the industry and the growers he worked for,” Mr O’Toole said.

“Using his, at the time, privileged and essential asset – a wall mounted telephone – he would give growers trading news, such as weather in competing harvesting areas, or advice on planting quantities and harvesting times.

“I recall going on regular drives with him, and my brother, Peter, to local farms to compare their crops, learn about their equipment and facilities, or how the harvest was progressing.”

By the 1950s, Mr O’Toole’s father, Kevin, had taken over the business, with his wife managing accounts and his sons apprenticing themselves to not only the merchant trade business, but also the family farm, where they grew a range of agricultural crops, including onions, barley, wheat and, of course, potatoes.

“We were immersed at an early age, which reduced a lot of the daily stress. Being given the basis of trading skills through hearing stories, hearing my

father on the phone day and night, and living the environment was, in fact, a grand apprenticeship,” Mr O’Toole said. Using this experience, Mr and Mrs O’Toole took over the farming business in 1981. They spent a few years as potato growers in Illowa, before making the decision to return to merchant trading, and eventually moving this business to Brisbane.

According to Mr O’Toole, he joined the Brisbane Markets when Landacq Limited, now Brisbane Markets Limited, was looking to purchase the site from the state government in August 2002.

“This move to industry ownership was one of the major draw cards for our move to the Brisbane Markets,” Mr O’Toole said.

“Being owned by an industry body meant that wholesalers operating out of the Brisbane Markets had more involvement in its operation. Trading through the central markets also opened up opportunities to network with new trading partners, a more central and orderly trading system, better facilities and quality assurance programs.”

Mr O’Toole said that the other drawcard for trading through the Brisbane Markets was the opportunity to join the member co-operative, Brismark.

“Brismark’s Credit Service makes trading easier. It is very well managed, having all transactions tracked and consolidated in one place. The Bad Debt Reserve is very important for reducing the risk of bad debts and ensuring normal cash flow.

“Brismark also supports us with other services such as recruitment,

human resources, and training, and represents and supports us on matters of compliance.”

In the years since, O’Toole Produce has continued to innovate, now also facilitating the trade of nuts, beans, dried fruit, and cereals through the Brisbane Nut Market.

Seeking to further support the growers they work with, the O’Tooles have also expanded out of fresh produce, to the supply of plastic receptacles and pallets for bulk food harvest, storage and handling.

Today, O’Toole Produce and Plastics still values the community they have helped to foster at the Brisbane Markets, and are proud of the close relations with growers, traders, A better choice! retailers and buyers alike.

“It is an honour to be able to represent our growers and continue to market the high quality produce they have to offer,” Mrs O’Toole said.

Now: Matt, Tim, Bernice and Paul O’Toole.

Then: Paul O’Toole (centre) showing his muscle in the field in the late 70s.

MEET OUR WHOLESALERS

Meet the Brisbane Markets wholesalers

There are 48 fruit and vegetable wholesalers who make up Brismark’s member base, each an independent business that operates from Queensland’s central market: the Brisbane Markets.

Brismark members form an important part of the fresh produce supply chain, connecting thousands of Australian growers with commercial buyers including independent retailers, secondary wholesalers and provedores.

Who is Brismark?

Brismark is a member organisation which represents and serves the needs of the wholesaling sector of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, in particular the primary wholesalers who operate out of the Brisbane Markets.

Brismark provides industry representation and advocates for its members on industry-related issues. The organisation also provides a range of services including training, financial, marketing and other commercial services to wholesalers and their associated businesses.

Brismark’s Credit Service facility acts as a clearing house for wholesalers, buyers and other businesses that operate within the Brisbane Markets, providing a secure, efficient and paperless means of conducting business.

Contact Brismark

To contact Brismark, you can visit www.brismark.com.au for more information, or:

Phone: 07 3915 4222

Email: admin@brismark.com.au

Visit: Level 2 Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea QLD 4106

Post: PO Box 70, Brisbane Market, QLD 4106

Ten tips for working with

a wholesaler

1. Make sure you have a signed Horticulture Produce Agreement between you and your wholesaler. It is a mandatory requirement of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. Speak to your wholesaler or visit brismark.com.au for more information.

2. Arrange a visit to the Brisbane Markets with your wholesaler. Try to come in-season, so that you can compare your product and packaging with the competition.

3. Communicate with your wholesaler and let them know if you are experiencing any difficulties or expect an especially good crop so that forward planning can take place.

4. Is your packaging up to scratch? Ensure your packaging is appropriate and supports the overall presentation of the produce.

5. Keep up-to-date records of your transactions. Always use consignment notes to help track your produce. These are a great reference point if something ever goes wrong.

6. Accurately grade and describe your fruit. Packing your produce into grade 1 boxes when the produce is grade 2 will only break down your relationship with the wholesaler and the regular purchasers of your product.

7. Use reliable carriers/transporters who can get your produce to its destination on time and in good condition.

8. Contact your wholesaler quickly if you do not receive payment by the agreed time.

9. Listen to your wholesaler’s advice and be prepared to accept constructive criticism. Your wholesaler does have an interest in seeing you reach the best possible price for your product.

10. Stick to the numbers of pallets or cartons that you have advised your wholesaler you will be sending. Never send produce unannounced or short change an order because your wholesaler usually knows exactly how much produce is required.

Central markets are important links joining one vast horticulture supply chain. Fresh Perspectives provides an insight into this rich and varied industry, focusing on the characters, and characteristics, of the world of horticulture.

Linking growers to consumers: the essential role of central markets

The average Australian wouldn’t know what a central market is, but these hives of industry work 24 hours a day to ensure delicious fresh produce makes its way to the dining table of consumers across the nation.

According to Murray Bros General Manager, Susan Lewis, central markets are in a unique position to target the distribution of produce to suitable buyers, regardless of grade.

“They are a vital link for the fresh produce supply chain, to ensure all buyers and consumers are consistently supplied with all lines of fruit and vegetables,” Mrs Lewis said.

Central markets are also the location where prices are set based on supply and demand. According to Ireland 53 Director, Grant Southen, having multiple wholesalers working from one location ensures prices remain competitive.

“Central markets are an essential (and sometimes only) outlet for growers to achieve a fair market price for the product they grow. Without them, it would just be so difficult to know if you were achieving a fair price,” Mr Southen said.

“The benefits of the central market are always understated, especially when you speak to members of the public who don’t fully appreciate what it takes to get produce from farm to plate.”

This appreciation is growing though, with a spotlight placed on wholesalers during the global health pandemic highlighting the essential nature of the services they offer, according to United Lettuce Director, Joseph Spoto.

“The benefit of the central market system has never been more at the forefront. For example, when COVID struck, exports had seen a meteoric rise for two of our main categories, grapes and citrus,” Mr Spoto said.

“Growers were turning away from domestic trade to target the lucrative markets in China, and who could blame them? But then COVID came, the export market came to a halt and the Chinese market became too risky with volatile pricing and minimal commitment to purchase.

“During the 2021/2022 table grapes season, growers who had geared up for export realised that although selling domestically was not as lucrative, market returns offered peace of mind,” Mr Spoto said.

Facing the challenges

Like many businesses at the moment, labour and logistics are two of the biggest challenges facing wholesalers.

“Transport is one of the most prevalent challenges for my business, not only the rising costs but also the difficulty securing freight. It is very frustrating in a growing business as sales are hamstrung by not being able to receive enough stock due to freight,” Mr Spoto said.

According to Mr Southen, logistics into the markets have become more sporadic since COVID.

“We are having more trucks arrive late which puts strain through ours and our customers delivery chains,” Mr Southen said.

Staffing levels are also an industry-wide issue.

“Both market traders and growers have faced labour shortages, and this isn’t looking to improve anytime soon,” Mr Spoto said.

“Thankfully, we’ve been able to make use of Brismark’s recruitment services. Having them on hand gives our HR Department a second opinion on issues and the information they provide has been invaluable to us.”

There is a recognition amongst wholesalers that while businesses face difficulties across the board, growers have unique challenges and cost increases that are making life especially hard at the moment.

“Like most businesses, our input costs have gone up, but growers are experiencing much higher input costs. So, we are always mindful of these issues when selling their produce,” Mr Southen said.

While these challenges are unique to the current economic environment, there is one impact on the fresh produce supply chain that will always be a concern and impossible to control.

“The biggest challenge for fresh produce is the unknown course of Mother Nature,” Mrs Lewis said.

“Whether it is flooding, drought, hail or intense heat, Australia’s weather is always going to be a wild card that we just have to keep adapting to.

“We are very lucky to have such diverse growing regions, but when weather events occur in multiple regions at once, it can have a significant impact on the supply of fresh produce.”

Supporting each other

Working within a central market allows Brisbane Markets wholesalers to act as a conduit between growers and buyers, ensuring growers understand consumer trends and expectations while buyers can access the quality and quantity of produce they require.

“We work closely with all of our growers, by promoting their brands and their quality, which in turn delivers the best returns we can get for them,” Mrs Lewis said.

“Through them, we aim to source the highest quality produce for our customers to give them year-round quality products to supply to their consumers.”

Mr Spoto said that without growers or buyers, wholesalers would have no business.

“The stronger their businesses are, the stronger ours is. We offer our growers transparency, understanding, compassion and we always try to maximise their returns,” Mr Spoto said.

“In our industry, you are not going to be liked by everyone, but you will find you attract customers if you genuinely care about how the product you are selling performs at a retail level. If problems do arise, good wholesalers deal with the issue working with our customers as best we can.”

Wholesalers are in a unique position to notice shifts in consumer trends via the buying habits of retailers and providores.

“We’ve noticed a definite trend amongst buyers in the market to go for a higher quality product. There is just much less demand for cheap or inferior product,” Mr Southen said.

“We are always communicating the current market conditions as best we can, so growers can make informed choices for their business. We also act as sounding boards when it comes to new product development and branding changes.

“By working with buyers on their specifications and requirements, we’ve been able to take that information back to the growers to achieve better results for them as well. If you don’t work with the buyers and growers together, neither side will be happy!”

Looking to the future

The next 18 months are sure to see more financial pressure on businesses and individuals alike.

“Never have so many families borrowed to the hilt and only time will tell what that means for our industry,” Mr Spoto said.

“Traditionally, in tough financial times the central markets have performed well. If interest rates keep rising, we may see more people cooking at home and buying more from their local fruit and veg shop again, like we witnessed during COVID, and healthy lifestyle habits have definitely been on the rise.”

With supply volumes growing by 850,000 tonnes over the last decade (see more on page 30), the future looks bright for horticulture.

“Supply volumes continue to increase across the country, creating more opportunities for all parties from growers through to consumers,” Mrs Lewis said.

“Export is an area that seems to be expanding across different lines, enabling more opportunity for growers to keep building their production volumes.”

Mr Southen said that he hoped to see normality return to export markets and was excited to see what the next decade would bring.

“The Olympics will be a big economic driver for South East Queensland over the next 10 years and that should create an increasing demand for fresh produce with more restaurants and more retailers coming into the mix.” Mr Southen said. No matter the future, those who can adapt will always be at an advantage.

“It sounds cliché, but the harder you work the more opportunities present themselves,” Mr Spoto said.

“The best operators in our industry are the ones who have adapted to change over the years. Opportunities can still be found, and having integrity and a good reputation play a big role in how often those opportunities present themselves.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Brisbane Markets is made up of three different markets: the Brisbane Produce Market, the Brisbane Flower Market, and the Saturday Fresh Market.

Grant Southen, Ireland 53.

Susan Lewis, Murray Bros.

Joseph Spoto, United Lettuce.

Pest in focus: guava root-knot nematode

A new pest incursion has growers in the Bundaberg region on high alert.

Guava root-knot nematode (meloidogyne enterolobii) was detected in a backyard garden in Hervey Bay, just 100 kms away from Bundaberg, which produces 90% of Australia’s sweet potatoes and large quantities of chillies, ginger and watermelon, all proven favourites of the pest.

The first Australian detection of the pest was in the Northern Territory in September 2022, followed by a property in North Queensland in December 2022 and the most recent detection in Hervey Bay in February 2023.

Brisbane Markets wholesaler, Carter & Spencer Group, grows sweet potatoes and ginger in the region and is concerned by the potential impact on the industry.

According to the company’s Business Manager, Matthew Spencer, the current outbreak demonstrates how easily this microscopic, parasitic worm can be transferred across large distances in short periods of time.

“Guava root-knot nematode, if successful in spreading to key growing regions in QLD, would decimate many industries,” Mr Spencer said.

“At the frontline, an outbreak would greatly impact growers, their families and workforce, with a flow on effect to manufactures, logistics providers and retailers. A series of outbreaks would impact Australian consumers by creating supply shortages in lines impacted by the pest.”

Nematodes live in the soil and can damage the roots of plants, stopping them from taking up water and nutrients. They can be transmitted through contaminated soil and plant material, and once established are very difficult to remove.

“Guava root-knot nematode can be spread easily and there are many ways to move this pest across Australia, whether it be in soil, plant material or equipment movements, therefore on-farm biosecurity is key to limiting this spread,” Mr Spencer said.

“Industry and government has the duty of care to protect and preserve Australian food sources for current and future generations.

“Growers and growing regions would benefit from a wider campaign with public notifications of this pest, given the potential impact on our fresh fruit and vegetable supply.”

Click or scan the QR code for more information about guava root-knot nematode.

Symptoms of guava root-knot

Above ground, symptoms may resemble water and nutrient stress including stunted growth, wilting, and leaf yellowing. Underground symptoms include severe galling (knotty root growths stimulated by nematode infection) of the root system.

Guava root-knot nematode also directly infects edible below ground parts of the plant, like bulbs (e.g. onions), rhizomes (e.g. ginger), swollen roots (e.g. sweet potatoes), and tubers (e.g. potatoes). These can be severely deformed with large galls, a dark and cracked surface, and white round females can be found under the surface when cut open and examined with a microscope or hand lens.

Guava root-knot nematode is a significant threat to horticultural industries as it can be more destructive than other root-knot species and is able to attack crops that are resistant to other species of nematodes. The pest has been known to affect chilli, ginger, guava, onions, papaya, sweet potato, and watermelon, amongst other plants.

Severe root galling on tomato on guava root-knot nematode.

Pressure eases on pollination services

Restrictions are slowly lifting for varroa destructor mite which has been plaguing pollination services across NSW and into Queensland.

On 20 January 2023, all Australian states and territories agreed that the blue zone of NSW is declared free of varroa mite. Beekeepers can now apply for permits to move managed hives across state borders. The decision means that those beekeepers in Queensland who have hives the in NSW can now retrieve those hives, provided they are in the general biosecurity zone (blue zone).

Beekeepers in the eradication (red) and surveillance (purple) zones are not permitted to move hives into or out of their respective zones.

Registered commercial beekeepers within the blue zone are still required to complete a Hive Movement Declaration to move honeybees and hives, to allow for business continuity and to provide pollination services.

The varroa destructor mite was first discovered at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022, and a total of 148 premises have been infected since, as at 6 April 2023.

Brisbane Markets tenant, Avocado Australia’s CEO John Tyas said that varroa destructor mite had the potential to have a significant impact on avocado growers, either through sharing the cost of eradication or, if eradication isn’t possible, through the loss of free pollination from wild European Honeybees and increased costs of managing hives.

“Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) and National Management Group (NMG) committee remains of the opinion that eradication

of varroa destructor is technically feasible based on the response and current information available,” Mr Tyas said.

“The New Zealand experience shows that having definitive zones marking the incursion and strong traceability improves the chances of eradication. Australia’s efforts in this regard mean our response has an excellent chance of being effective.”

The NMG has endorsed a Response Plan which covers up to $55.3 million for response activities through to 30 June

2023, with costs shared between federal and state governments, and affected industry parties.

“Avocados Australia is preparing a Business Case that will outline how the industry will pay for its contribution. Once finalised, this will be communicated with industry for consideration,” Mr Tyas said.

For up-to-date information on the emergency response to varroa destructor mite, visit: https://bit.ly/3TT0GYI.

Report it, don’t ignore it

Report

unusual or unfamiliar symptoms, pests or plant damage to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or via the online portal by clicking or scanning the QR code.

Efforts to restrict the incursion of varroa destructor mite to eradication zones have been successful so far.

Bumper season for Bundaberg bounty

By Bree Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers

A powerhouse of horticulture production: there is always something being planted, grown, or harvested in the Bundaberg region.

Whilst their start was delayed by several weeks late last year and early this year, we experienced bumper lychee and melon crops, and now move into macadamia and avocado seasons among other commodities.

We’ll be commencing strawberries in the coming months and vegetable crops are looking strong. Corn plantings plummeted a few years ago due to pest issues. However, these plantings have now increased back to usual levels.

Pest incursion

Effective management of plant pests and diseases continues to be an ongoing challenge for producers in the region. A second detection of guava root-knot nematode (see page 20) in Queensland now poses a significant threat to our plant industries including chilli, ginger, sweet potato, and watermelon among others.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers is hosting two guava root-knot nematode workshops in the coming months, and we know that reducing its impact on the entire industry is the only way we can manage this significant threat.

Out and about

In March, I joined the Queensland delegation to EvokeAG conference in Adelaide. The theme, Down to Earth, represented the need for innovators, connectors and change makers in agrifood innovation to bring big ideas down to reality.

I couldn’t visit Adelaide without going to the South Australian Produce Market. With thanks to Brisbane Produce Market for connecting us, I was able to arrange a group of 16 growers, researchers and industry representatives from the Bundaberg and Bowen regions, two of Queensland’s biggest powerhouse production regions, to see local produce on display, meet wholesalers and better understand some of the challenges with sending produce to this state.

Ongoing water concerns

Recently Sunwater customers received notice on how they will manage storage levels in Paradise Dam during the construction phase. Upon learning the water level in the dam will be further reduced, we were immediately sent back in memory to September 2019 when the then Minister Lynham announced they’d be pulling the plug and reducing the dam wall.

Whilst current water allocations will not be impacted, medium priority customers in the Burnett River sub-scheme will be from 1 July of this year. There’s a saying in our industry that no one has a better memory than an irrigator and we have vivid memories of 22% water allocations in 2021 and skyrocketing costs for water transfers. Pulling the plug on the dam again will mean that water that cannot be taken up by irrigators will flow to sea again. Just like it did in 2019. Commitments were made to restore the dam wall, and this was a major relief to growers, however, it will still be several years before we can once again boast we have the best water security in Australia.

Representations

Recently I was honoured to be elected as the new Chair for the Queensland Horticulture Council (QHC). The QHC was formed in 2015 to bring together the regional horticultural groups in Queensland and plays a vital role in deliberating horticulture policy in Queensland. It meets regularly with the Agricultural Minister, Mark Furner MP, and I’m looking forward to ensuring the views of horticultural producers throughout the state are considered and valued.

New CEO for J.H. Leavy & Co

Jacob Darling has taken on the role of CEO of Brisbane Markets wholesaler, J.H. Leavy & Co, replacing Ben Bartlett.

According to the Darling Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Darling, the announcement was bittersweet considering Mr Bartlett’s impact on the company.

“Ben was instrumental in the development of Darling Group’s Australian business, starting out with us at Global Fresh Australia with the national sales and marketing of NZ

avocados and kiwifruit,” Mr Darling said.

“When Darling Group acquired J.H. Leavy & Co. from the Tighe family in 2016, Ben took the helm and managed a successful transition which has provided us a more significant platform to grow from today.”

Jacob Darling’s produce career began in the USA with Tom Lange and Co. He then returned to the family business in 2016 taking up a role with J.H. Leavy & Co before returning to New Zealand in 2017 to lead Darling Group’s Sales and

Marketing team.

Since then, he has driven the development of Darling Group’s international trade and 12 month supply strategy, growing it into an $35m business with goals to increase this to $100 million over the next five years.

Jacob became COO of Darling Group in 2022 where he took on oversight of Darling Group’s NZ avocado supply and packing business, Just Avocados, while also still maintaining active involvement in international sales and marketing.

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Dragon fruit a blooming industry

Demand for dragon fruit has exploded over the past three years, with nutritional benefits beginning to catch the eye of health-conscious consumers. The future is bright for Australia’s burgeoning dragon fruit industry, with the establishment of a new grower association and funding to undertake important industry research and development.

But the late start to the domestic season this year highlights the importance of maintaining imports until the industry is able to meet consumer demand, according to Brisbane Markets wholesaler, J.E. Tipper’s Product Development Manager, Richard Birtill.

A Central and South American native, dragon fruit has been grown in Australia since the 1970s but over the past three years interest in the fruit has grown beyond the traditional Asian market. As more fruit appear on the shelves of local fruit and veg shops, Australian consumers have responded positively.

“The change in supply and demand over the past few years has been very significant. It’s gone from being a true absolute minor to having much more of a presence in the shops,” Mr Birtill said. Usually, the Queensland dragon fruit season will start just before Christmas and continue for about five months over summer and autumn with a further two months supply in October and November coming in from Northern Territory.

“Unfortunately, this year the season didn’t start until January, six weeks later than usual, so the local supply missed both the Christmas and Lunar New Year trade,” Mr Birtill said.

Dragon fruit is currently imported from April until September, with supplies coming in from Vietnam and a recent access application has been made by the Phillipines.

“I believe that imports are actually helping grow the overall market for dragon fruit in Australia,” Mr Birtill said. “Having fruit available on the shelf yearround keeps them in front of consumers and encourages repeat purchases. It can have a real, positive impact on the purchase of domestic product when they’re in season.

“The consumer will always prefer to purchase comparable domestic fruit, every time. Imports help to ensure the

fruit is available when a customer wants it, but as domestic production increases the demand for imported fruit will reduce.”

With increased local production, consumers will have noticed a reduction in cost at the cash register.

“We have seen price points come down a lot, from $8 to $10 a kilo eight years ago, down to $5 to $7 a kilo today. These prices are purely volume driven, more supply has dropped the price point,” Mr Birtill said.

In February 2021, a project to unite dragon fruit growers to strengthen industry governance and research and development capacity was launched, led by Central Queensland University and funded by AgriFutures Australia.

This new Australian Dragon Fruit Growers Association (AFGA) hopes a recruitment drive for new growers will help make more high-quality, local fruit consistently available.

But the formation of the association is also vital to improving the research and development that goes into the industry, according to Mr Birtill.

“Because it has been such a minor crop, there’s absolutely zero pesticide approval, so most crops have in reality grown almost on an organic basis,” Mr Birtill said.

“By having a registered association and funding from AgriFutures, we have been able to apply for two pesticide permits, one to control for insects and the other to control for disease, which should improve the visual appearance of the

fruit going forward.

“Without a centralised association or very large growers to fund that sort of research or apply for the permits, it is very difficult to get them approved.”

Grower and ADFGA Secretary, Jim Hoa Yang Li, said, in the past, growers had struggled to access information and markets, but the time was now ripe to support an expansion.

“For those who are interested in the industry, we can provide the network of professional growers and the stakeholders,” Mr Li said.

“They can absorb knowledge and experience of dragon fruit cropping as well as access industry-level resources, for example cuttings of unique varieties, specialised fertiliser, and how in different farms we have different ways of growing them.”

Mr Birtill is heavily involved in the new association, and is working hard to ensure growers understand what the consumer market is looking for.

“For instance, if you have a grower that is sending lots of small fruit to market, they won’t be getting the return they are looking for,” Mr Birtill said.

“But if they were to thin the flowers and encourage the production of larger fruit then they will receive a better price. It’s my role to let them know what the market is saying and provide advice on how they can meet those consumer demands.”

Australia has 40,000 dragon fruit plants, producing about 740 tonnes with a gross value of $2.2 million.

More than just aesthetic appeal

According to Brisbane Markets wholesaler, KLS Farm Produce’s Steven Wright, there’s more to dragon fruit than what meets the eye.

“Feedback from our buyers is that dragon fruit is appealing to those who are health conscious. The fruit’s seeds contain healthy fatty acids such as omega 3s and omega 9s, mono saturated fats that are good for cardiovascular health,” Mr Wright said.

“Their mild flavour really accentuates other fruit and accompaniments. Add to that the amazing look and colour of the fruit, and you’ve got an Instagram-worthy product.”

Griffith University’s Dr Lisa Vincze said while the nutritional value of dragon fruit was comparable to other fruits and vegetables, it did have some exceptional benefits.

“What the research shows [is for] people who have prediabetes, or people who have diabetes, it may actually help them to control their blood sugar levels,” she said.

“It’s got about twice the amount of fibre than about a 150 gram serve of mango does.

“We are seeing in the research that some of the antioxidants in [dragon fruit] may help to protect against some cell damage but the research in this area is fairly new.”

Healthy and beautiful: eye-catching dragon fruit are on the rise.

New season, new opportunities

By Ry Collins, General Manager, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association

We are firmly back in the swing of our production season, the humidity is easing a little, we’ve had excellent rains that have filled the dams and many growers are anticipating what the year will bring.

Challenges and opportunities can often be the same thing, depending on perspective. How well you plan, promote, and how you play your cards can often determine whether the year will be a good one or not.

Labour force

There are some signs in our region that labour access is improving, at least on the recent post-pandemic years with a growing number of producers adopting established relations with Pacific Island labour as the backbone of their operations.

There are also signs that seasonal workers are returning to our regional areas looking for farm work as international travel resumes. Accommodation is still the biggest issue but recent wins such as the Queensland rural worker accommodation initiative are a step in the right direction for our industry in being proactive and looking outside of the square to address an issue that is affecting the whole country and all industries.

Digital innovation

We’re also seeing some strong signs that the industry is starting to really embrace the digital age.

More and more producers are becoming interested in what new technology can do for their business in terms of reducing labour for low-skilled or repetitive tasks and improving input and output efficiency.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) recently held our first Innovation Day to bring some of this new technology to our region and demonstrate it in a local farming environment. Attendance exceeded our expectations with guests demonstrating their keen interest in advancing their understanding and capability with agtech.

Mental support

Farmers face tremendous pressure as they work to balance farm and off-farm life, which is often hard to escape given they generally occur at the same place. Over recent years we’ve seen the challenge of the pandemic, labour shortages, natural disaster, soaring input costs, increasing debt, biosecurity outbreaks and fluctuating market conditions leading longer working hours and lower work-life balance for farmers. Many farmers are suffering from burnout, stress and other mental health pressure that is leaving a distressing toll on not only them but also their families, colleagues and the communities in which they live.

As we move into our peak production season, BGGA is supporting national farmer support group, Thankful for Farmers, and the Rural Flying Doctor Service Queensland with the launch of their new program ‘Mental Health on the Land’.

The new program provides resources designed specifically to improve the health and wellbeing of regional and rural Queenslanders navigating the growing pressures in their work and home life.

Quality exchange

After completing their work placement program, our Japanese agriculture exchange students joined BGGA President, Carl Walker, and myself in Brisbane in March for a number of events and excursions.

The students had an early morning tour of the Brisbane Produce Market to see where much of the fruits of their labour go after being picked in Bowen. This was followed by a formal farewell lunch with the Japanese Consul-General, Masuo Ono.

To end the activities, the students were privileged to receive a guided tour of Queensland Parliament House by Minister Mark Furner MP, who was kind enough to share his expert knowledge with the students.

DID YOU KNOW? Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark have proudly supported Bowen Gumlu Growers Association for 15 years.

Japanese exchange students enjoy a tour of the Brisbane Produce Market.

Rollercoaster for pineapple supply continues

Pineapples are expected to be in short supply until spring, putting a dent in production the effects of which are expected to be felt through the next two years.

The current shortage of Queensland-grown pineapple supply can be traced back to a weather event that occurred in May 2022.

Unseasonably warm weather combined with double the average monthly rainfall triggered a mass natural flowering event predominantly, but not exclusively, in south-eastern Queensland. In a normal year, annual natural flowering accounts for approximately 10% of a pineapple crop. In 2022, growers reported between 60% and 80% of their crop had flowered.

Central Queensland grower Ben Clifton runs a 161-hectare farm in Bungundarra and said he lost about a quarter of his crop. But he was able to get ahead of February’s glut by alerting his wholesalers in the central markets to the flowering event.

“They’ve been doing a great job raising awareness with consumers and giving us feedback on quality and making sure that we’re doing our job on this side,” he said.

“A lot of things have been done very well to make this a pretty smooth flying affair where the fruit is coming in fresh and going out fresh.”

Government, industry, markets, growers and retailers stepped up during the increased supply window to encourage consumers to support Queensland’s pineapple growers by purchasing pineapples and being understanding during shortages.

In January 2023, Queensland Agriculture Minister, Mark Furner, urged consumers to buy as many as possible and, in February, Brisbane Markets’ A better choice! team took advantage of media opportunities to encourage consumers to get behind growers and ‘pick two for the team’. This coincided with Growcom’s pop-up launch (see article opposite), which helped to further place the spotlight on the issue.

Brisbane Markets wholesaler and pineapple grower, Carter & Spencer Group, said that this year’s natural flowering was the worst the industry had ever experienced.

“It essentially caused nine months of normal supply in a window of four weeks over January and February,” the company’s Business Manager, Matthew Spencer said.

“Unfortunately, most of the fruit that was expected to flood the market through January and February was either too small to harvest or was left behind chasing the more valuable, larger fruit.

“We are now seeing enormous prices for pineapples due to the low volume that is left. This will continue for at least the next four months.”

When a mass flowering event occurs, plants are around six months immature which results in small sized, unsaleable fruit. Mr Spencer said that in the short term, this means low supplies until spring, but the long-term effects will continue through the coming years.

“As an example, there will be a shortage of planting material which will cause growers to miss planting windows through the back end of autumn and winter,” he said.

“This means there will be limited numbers of pineapples planted through this period which would be due to harvest at end of 2024 and into 2025.”

The evolution of Growcom

As part of their 100-year celebrations (see story opposite), Growcom has announced a new advocacy arm and corporate structure.

Originally a statutory authority when created in 1923, the organisation was called the Committee of Direction of Fruit Marketing (also known as COD or COD Industry Services). The COD had strong ties to Brisbane Markets, owning sections at both the inner city and

Rocklea sites until 2004.

In 1991, COD changed their name to Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and then in 1999 also changed their status from a statutory body to a company limited by guarantee.

2004 brought about the addition of a trading name ‘Growcom’, the name the organisation has been known by ever since. The organisation has now launched a new advocacy and

engagement arm - Horticulture Queensland.

QFVG Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Chambers, said: “The easiest way to think of the new structure is to think of QFVG as the head – it’s the board, the employer of staff, and the legal entity. Horticulture Queensland is our new dedicated advocacy arm while Growcom will be retained to serve as the programs and projects delivery arm. One head, two arms”.

A pineapple being grown in the Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast (IMAGE: Favco).

Year of Horticulture returns to Brisbane roots

2023 marks 100 years of Growcom and its forebears, and the Queensland grower industry organisation is marking the year with a huge celebration.

Growcom created a mini pineapple field at Queens Garden in the centre of Brisbane’s CBD, once the site of the state’s first ever pineapple plot (1838), to officially launch their birthday celebrations dubbed Queensland’s Year of Horticulture. The pineapple was the first commodity to be highlighted as part of a year-long awareness campaign of the state’s 104 various fruit, vegetable and nut crops.

The Year of Horticulture will celebrate all things horticulture; educate consumers, retailers, and the next generation of growers; and highlight the history of the state’s horticulture industry, its present-day operations and the advancements which will take it into the future.

Not only did the event mark an historic moment, but it also proved a timely opportunity to support pineapple growers amidst increased supplies.

“Queensland grows 99% of the nation’s pineapples worth more than $45 million. Most importantly 100% of Australia’s fresh pineapple supply comes directly from Australian growers,”

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Chambers, said.

“By activating places and spaces that are no longer synonymous with horticulture we can heighten awareness amongst consumers of the immense history and the important part this industry has played, and will continue to play, in our state’s economy and way of life.”

Bearing fruit: The pineapple field in Queens Garden in the Brisbane CBD.

All fruit supply chain and consumer metrics – financial year ending June 2022

A decade of growth: horticulture hits $15.62 billion

While the Australian horticulture industry may have grown by $6.15 billion in the past decade, the increasing costs of production and long-term impacts of extreme weather events are increasing pressure on the industry.

The dramatic rise in production value is the biggest takeaway from the Horticulture Statistics Handbook, developed by Freshlogic on behalf of Hort Innovation. The Handbook is released every February and captures the previous financial year’s data.

This year’s Handbook also shows that Australia is producing 850,000 additional tonnes of produce than we were in 2012/13, with the industry adding, on average, around $680 million in value every year for the past decade. However, in 2021/22, the increase in the prior year was only $381.3 million, with the production value of Australia’s horticulture industry growing to $15.62 billion.

According to Brisbane Markets wholesaler, Alfred E. Chave’s Paul Joseph, at the start of the decade, volume and value were flat due to weather events experienced across Australia.

“Then from 2014 growth in volume of production increased steadily until 2020, when it flattened out due to the global pandemic. After the two or three years of COVID, growers were forced to reduce their plantings due to uncertainty in demand and overseas labour shortages and naturally we saw prices increase,” Mr Joseph said.

“Then, in the beginning of 2022 we witnessed a large and prolonged weather event, down the entire east coast of Australia. We saw prices that I have never seen before in my 30 years’ experience in the industry. In some cases, prices were double the previous highest price. It was quite a unique event.”

While the Handbook provides a look at what has happened in the past, the latest release of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Commodities Report, shows the forecast for future.

According to the ABARES report, during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons the gross value of horticultural production would reach record heights of $16.3 billion and $18.2 billion, respectively.

“We’ve just been through an amazing growing period over the summer. With most water tables now replenished and a more stable summer season, we have seen high quality and high yielding crops in many cases,” Mr Joseph said.

“The concerning thing is we’re back at the other end of the spectrum now. We’re seeing low prices for very high-quality produce and a lot is getting left in the field because the costs to harvest outweigh the return on investment.”

According to the ABARES Report, “fuel, freight and fertiliser prices have remained a burden for producers despite falling back from their peak in recent months”, and Mr Joseph agreed, saying fluctuating and increased costs made it very difficult for growers to predict their cost of production.

All vegetable supply chain and consumer metrics - financial year ending June 2022

“The cost to get a crop to harvest is just one part of the equation. Cost of production multiplies once the crop is at harvesting stage. Growers are having to decide whether to pick or not. If you don’t take the produce out of the paddock it’s a much smaller loss than if you put money into additional labour, packaging and freight,” Mr Joseph said.

You can view or download the Horticulture Statistics Handbook visit https://bit.ly/40HfVG7 and to read the ABARES Commodity Report visit https://bit.ly/3zgq5Sy

THE BRISBANE PRODUCE WASTE REVOLUTION L

Stay ahead of the waste levy and reduce your General Waste costs by using our new Produce Waste Recycling Service!

How does it work?

Organic waste

Separate your food scraps from your general waste.

Organics bin

Place your organics waste in the specific Organics bin.

Collection Organics bin will be collected by scheduled frequency.

Compost Organic waste will be processed into high-quality compost.