Nationalistic Decision Necessary: SPC Reduces Canned Fruit Orders Due to Surge in Low-cost Imports
A key farming body emphasizes the importance of Australian shoppers buying Australian fruit to prevent potential unavailability.
The fruit industry in Australia is urging shoppers to opt for Australian produce after SPC announced a reduction in canned fruit production due to competition from cheaper imported alternatives.
SPC, based in Shepparton, Victoria, plans to reduce orders of Australian peaches and pears by 40% for the upcoming season, hoping to stabilize production volumes by 2026.
The company attributes the shift to consumer preferences for cheaper imports from countries like South Africa and China, leading to decreased demand for Australian fruit.
Amid these challenges, Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) is advocating for greater support for locally grown produce to protect Australian farmers.
FGV is calling for government intervention to address cheap imports and for clear country-of-origin labeling laws to help consumers make a conscious choice to support Australian products.
According to FGV grower services manager Michael Crisera, the future of Australian farming is at stake, with the dwindling market share for domestic fruit potentially leading to a decline in local processing.
Without strong support for Australian fruit, farmers may be forced to abandon certain crops, further jeopardizing the future of local agricultural production.
