Horticulture Industry Urges Supermarkets to Lift Prices

Australia’s horticulture sector is calling on major supermarkets to respond more quickly to price increase requests, as fuel and freight costs continue to rise.

In an open letter, the NFF Horticulture Council warned escalating transport costs are placing immediate pressure on growers and suppliers nationwide.

Industry representatives report fuel surcharges have climbed sharply, in some cases reaching up to 65 per cent of consignment value in remote regions.

The Council says uncertainty around recovering these costs is already affecting farm decisions, with some growers delaying or scaling back plantings.

Concerns have also been raised about fuel availability, with reports of producers travelling long distances to secure diesel for essential operations like irrigation.

The Council maintains fair and timely pricing decisions by supermarkets are critical to sustaining supply and avoiding future shortages.