Published Tuesday, 24 July, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
SELECTED FRUITS DODGE THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL
Mandarins, tomatoes and avocados have bucked the trend during a year in which primary industries and fisheries have taken a battering from one of the worst droughts in recorded history.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the prospects for total fruit and vegetable industries, mandarins, avocadoes and tomatoes in particular, were significantly better in 2006-07 than the 2005-06 seasons.
“The GVP for mandarins is up from $75 million to $90 million, tomatoes from $165 million to $200 million and Australian avocadoes are enjoying one of the best ever seasons - up from $45 million last year to $75 million,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Overall the 2007-08 forecast for total fruit is up nearly $200 million on a year ago to $975 million.
“Total vegetables worth has increased in 12 months from $740 million to $810 million.
“The reasons for their strong performances range from location and rainfall to conditions being experienced interstate,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Queensland tomato producers for instance have benefited from disease and persistent dry weather conditions in the southern states, which has decreased the volume of production and increased prices.’’
Tomatoes are grown primarily in the Bowen and Bundaberg regions.
“Mandarins are mostly grown in the north Burnett – Mundubbera and Gayndah. With the loss of the Emerald growing areas production was lower than in the pre-canker era and this boosted prices,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The Emerald area is now being replanted following the end of the quarantine period for commercial citrus. Eventually this will boost tonnage and overall industry value, but will place downward pressure on prices unless new markets are found.
“Production of avocados has been steadily rising due to increased plantings and prices have been higher for most months in 06-07 compared to the previous year.’’
Avocado production is carried out over much of coastal Queensland with the largest growing area in the Bundaberg-Childers area and also on the Atherton Tableland, West Moreton and Sunshine Coast.
Overall there was 4 per cent fall in the estimated value of Queensland’s primary industries and fisheries. (as per Prospects release, July 5, 2007)
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ Prospects Update for June 2007 estimates the gross value of production of Queensland’s primary industry commodities in 2006-07 at $10.485 billion - 4 per cent lower than 2005-06.
But the figure of almost $10.5 billion is nearly 1 per cent higher than DPI&F’s initial forecast for 2006-07 and a reflection of the resilience of our primary producers and fishers in extremely difficult circumstances.
There are currently 85 shires and two part-shires drought declared by the State Government - equivalent to 62.5% of the land area of the State. There also are seven Individually Droughted Properties in a further four shires.
Media: 323 96530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the prospects for total fruit and vegetable industries, mandarins, avocadoes and tomatoes in particular, were significantly better in 2006-07 than the 2005-06 seasons.
“The GVP for mandarins is up from $75 million to $90 million, tomatoes from $165 million to $200 million and Australian avocadoes are enjoying one of the best ever seasons - up from $45 million last year to $75 million,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Overall the 2007-08 forecast for total fruit is up nearly $200 million on a year ago to $975 million.
“Total vegetables worth has increased in 12 months from $740 million to $810 million.
“The reasons for their strong performances range from location and rainfall to conditions being experienced interstate,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“Queensland tomato producers for instance have benefited from disease and persistent dry weather conditions in the southern states, which has decreased the volume of production and increased prices.’’
Tomatoes are grown primarily in the Bowen and Bundaberg regions.
“Mandarins are mostly grown in the north Burnett – Mundubbera and Gayndah. With the loss of the Emerald growing areas production was lower than in the pre-canker era and this boosted prices,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The Emerald area is now being replanted following the end of the quarantine period for commercial citrus. Eventually this will boost tonnage and overall industry value, but will place downward pressure on prices unless new markets are found.
“Production of avocados has been steadily rising due to increased plantings and prices have been higher for most months in 06-07 compared to the previous year.’’
Avocado production is carried out over much of coastal Queensland with the largest growing area in the Bundaberg-Childers area and also on the Atherton Tableland, West Moreton and Sunshine Coast.
Overall there was 4 per cent fall in the estimated value of Queensland’s primary industries and fisheries. (as per Prospects release, July 5, 2007)
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ Prospects Update for June 2007 estimates the gross value of production of Queensland’s primary industry commodities in 2006-07 at $10.485 billion - 4 per cent lower than 2005-06.
But the figure of almost $10.5 billion is nearly 1 per cent higher than DPI&F’s initial forecast for 2006-07 and a reflection of the resilience of our primary producers and fishers in extremely difficult circumstances.
There are currently 85 shires and two part-shires drought declared by the State Government - equivalent to 62.5% of the land area of the State. There also are seven Individually Droughted Properties in a further four shires.
Media: 323 96530