AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside appeared in print media this week commenting on new market research claiming that the quality and range of fresh produce in stores is becoming the key battleground in the Australian grocery market. Mr Whiteside stated that as low prices are becoming less important for consumers as a way of differentiating between retailers, AUSVEG would expect to see lessened downward pressure on farmgate prices. You can read the full story on The Weekly Times’ website.

Mr Whiteside also appeared in online stories commenting on the launch of a vertical hydroponic farm in a shipping container in Brisbane, saying that it is an innovative way of closing the gap between the farmgate and consumers that gives the general public an opportunity to see how vegetables can be grown in new environments. The full story is available on the ABC News website.

AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre appeared on radio this week discussing Hort Connections 2018, highlighting the conference’s theme of halving waste and doubling productivity by 2030. For more, see AUSVEG’s latest media release about the event.

Finally, AUSVEG’s opposition to price hikes to export fees was covered by The Weekly Times, following a united response by major horticultural bodies calling on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to re-engage with stakeholders. The full story is accessible through The Weekly Times’ website.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 17 April 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!