Australian households have been given a dire cost-of-living warning, with 34 per cent of Australian vegetable growers considering leaving the industry in the next 12 months.

Peak group AUSVEG’s latest Vegetable Industry Sentiment Report also shows 50 per cent of growers are financially worse off than they were in June 2023.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said if farmers leave the industry, supply will go down and prices will go up.

“Australia risks a third of growers quitting and no farmers means no food,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This is a worrying sign amid a cost-of-living crisis, with the outlook even worse than it was 12 months ago.

“Families have cut back on discretionary spending but they still need to buy food. Every single Australian would be impacted by a mass farmer exodus, as operating challenges threaten the viability of growers, risking an increase in prices at the check-out.”

Mr Littleproud pointed out almost half of vegetable, potato and onion growers surveyed indicated they were experiencing workforce shortages across full-time, part-time and casual positions, as well as skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled positions.

“The report found changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme under Labor rendered it unworkable for many growers.

“Labour costs are another major challenge, at around 38 per cent of a grower’s costs.

“Worryingly, the overwhelming majority of farmers surveyed believe employment problems will remain the same or worsen into the future.

“There is enormous concern over the 88-day backpacker rule, which requires backpackers to work in regional areas, with more than 62 per cent of growers indicating that the removal of the 88-day specified work requirement would have a severe or critical impact on their business.

“This latest hurdle is on top of increasing input costs, poor retail pricing, lack of operating profit and compliance and regulation burdens.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese couldn’t even be bothered to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House recently to listen to farmers about their concerns.

“Labor is failing to support our industry and unfortunately, Australian families will also suffer as a result.

“The only way to support the agriculture industry is to change the government. Unlike Labor, The Nationals will always support our farmers and our food supply, not just for the agriculture industry but for all Australian families.”