Apple & Pear Australia Limited (APAL) have announced it will continue to seek funding after last week’s budget announcement failed to recognise Australian apple growers, including those in Stanthorpe.
APAL had sought an investment package of $21.9 million through its Aussie Apple Accord to help growers become internationally competitive by transitioning them to best practice orchard management techniques.
APAL managing director Jon Durham said it was disappointing to see the government once again ignore the plight of Australian apple growers and had left farming jobs and the communities that rely on them particularly vulnerable.
“Without additional funding from the government, the industry could face widespread job losses, which would have a devastating impact on many rural communities—this does not factor in additional flow-on effects of seasonal job losses,” Mr Durham said.
“While (I know) the Minister for Agriculture Joe Ludwig is sympathetic to the plight of rural Australia, it is disappointing to see—that once again—the current government is disinterested in investing in the sustainability of Australian apple growers.”
APAL chairman John Lawrenson said, although apple growers are a resilient bunch, resilience alone can only stretch so far.
“If additional funds aren’t secured to invest in helping growers improve efficiencies in a low priced market, then we will no doubt see casualties.
“Growers are nervous. Many are already running at a loss and it’s only so long they can operate like this before they leave the industry and that’s not only sad for growers but for consumers too,” Mr Lawrenson said.
He said apple growers have been hit particularly hard of late with recent changes to government policy meaning that, for the first time in 90 years, international apple imports have been allowed.
In addition, inconsistent weather conditions and oversupply has added to the stress and the industry is now facing a challenging environment.
“While this setback is disappointing we haven’t given up and we will continue to engage with government on behalf of apple growers.
“APAL remains committed to supporting growers stay internationally competitive and will continue to invest in projects like Future Orchards, helping growers lift productivity in their orchards to world competitiveness,” Mr Durham said.
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