Summer season fruit and Christmas seafood favourites are about to soar in worth, as flooding rains in Queensland devastate farmers and disrupt the harvest season.
Report-breaking rainfall has drenched Far North Queensland, with 2000mm of water in some cities and Cooktown receiving the heaviest downpour in additional than a century.
Queensland Farmers Federation chief government Jo Sheppard mentioned the losses could be “catastrophic” for producers and predicted there “gained’t be one farmer in that area who isn’t impacted”.
The floods have already created important provide shortages of summer season fruits like bananas, mangoes, papaya and melons in addition to prawns, barramundi fish, avocados and sugarcane.
“We’re listening to the banana harvest was nicely beneath method and whereas there are bananas in storage, they’re unable to get them anyplace,” Ms Sheppard mentioned.
The Palmerston Freeway, the one highway to the shoreline accessible to B-double vans and a serious transport route for farmers within the north of the nation, has been crippled by floodwaters.
“It has been notably devastating for mangoes after an absolute bumper season. There’s been orchards utterly flooded, bushes uprooted and washed away, energy outages,” Ms Sheppard mentioned.
“It has induced havoc when it comes to chilly rooms the place fruit recent fruit has been saved and has a major affect on mangoes, papaya and melon.”
The availability points might create last-minute menu adjustments for Australians’ Christmas lunches, with a seafood favorite additionally caught up within the destruction.
“Whereas lots of prawn harvest has already taken place, definitely there’s going to be impacts,” Ms Sheppard mentioned.
“Additionally barramundi farms will see a major provide disruption.”
Sugarcane mills have additionally skilled important infrastructure injury. Whereas most of this yr’s harvest has been accomplished, “various younger canes have been devastated” and Ms Sheppard expects this might affect the trade for one more 12 to 18 months.
“It’s a really difficult time not just for farmers however for the agricultural and regional communities by which they reside and function,” Ms Sheppard mentioned.
The floods have additionally pushed seasonal employees away from the area, with many backpackers and informal employees looking for out emergency lodging.
Ms Sheppard mentioned it was virtually sure costs would climb in response to quick provide however urged Australians to help their native farmers and contemplate taking over the additional value.
“If we do see a little bit little bit of a worth enhance for our recent fruits that come from the north within the grocery store, I’d encourage folks to think about how fortunate we’re in Australia that you simply do have entry to these lovely fruits and to purchase them anyway,” she mentioned.
“Assist farmers who’re doing you’re fairly robust given the challenges.”
Rural Support counsellors supply free, confidential help to farmers and their households. Anybody who wants help can name them on 1300 175 594.
