Aussie pumpkin growers have been experiencing losses since 2007-08 according to the latest ‘Veggie Stats’ figures.



Average domestic pumpkin prices have dropped since 2009-10 with average pumpkin production per farm also falling by 52 per cent from 2008-09 to 2011-12.


“Australian pumpkin growers have been struggling for almost a decade in the face of high production costs relative to prices,” said AUSVEG Economist Steve Razdan.


“The nature of these trends is concerning for growers producing pumpkins, but with the Veggie Stats figures at least we can monitor the industry and provide analysis and insights to growers about cost trends.”


AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

According to the figures, the average price received per tonne of pumpkin in Australia was $375 in 2011-12, which, when compared to the staggering $610 cost to produce a tonne of this commodity signalled a significant shortfall.


“The knowledge we have gained through this Veggie Stats analysis has further cemented the importance of industry research and development projects that might enable growers to decrease production costs and increase efficiency,” said Mr Razdan.



“The information suggests that exporting more pumpkins could be the answer to this current profit drop. Export market growth is definitely an opportunity that pumpkin growers should be considering.”


“The majority of Australia’s pumpkin, squash and gourd exports were sent to Singapore in 2012-13, totalling $1.1 million.”

“Energy efficiency, increased mechanisation and investment in international export markets are just some of the areas that R&D is currently looking closely into to make the industry more profitable across all fresh produce commodities.”


AUSVEG has developed a series of Veggie Stats documents to profile different crops. Veggie Stats studies are currently being featured in each issue of the industry magazine, Vegetables Australia, with pumpkin featuring in the latest edition.

Veggie Stats uses data compiled from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) and the Global Trade Atlas.
 

The research has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:  Steve Razdan, AUSVEG Economist
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0404 097 118, Email: steve.razdan@ausveg.com.au