Supermarkets Urged to Help Cover Farm Freight Costs

Farm leaders are calling on Australia’s major supermarkets to help absorb rising fuel costs, as transport expenses continue to squeeze farm businesses.

NSW Farmers says dairy, fruit and vegetable producers are bearing the brunt of soaring diesel prices at the moment, with rising transport costs eating into already tight margins.

Organisation Vice President Bec Reardon says farmers are responsible for paying freight to processors and retailers, leaving them exposed when fuel prices rise.

She says farmers have little power to pass these extra costs on, meaning their take-home income is shrinking.

The organisation is urging supermarkets to contribute to freight expenses, arguing their strong profits put them in a position to support the supply chain.

The group says sharing transport costs would help keep farmers viable and food moving, without forcing further price increases onto consumers.