Prices of fresh produce may soar, but if you think farmers are rolling dough, think again
Lettuce has crossed the $10 mark, milk prices are soaring by major supermarkets and strawberries are $6 a punnet. Almost everywhere you look, the prices of food and other agricultural goods are on the rise. You’d be forgiven for thinking this must be a great time for Australian farmers, preferably gazing out the window at the gentle rain. Not too. Rising price Understanding what drives the price of any commodity can be a confusing exercise at the best of times. The current situation is generally caused by a number of problems, the first of which relates to the nature of Australia’s growing season. Australian vegetables come from different parts of the country depending on the season. Currently the main supplier is Queensland. Earlier this year, several developing areas were hit by two floods in 11 weeks. Queensland’s Lockyer Valley flooded earlier this year destroying large vegetable crops. ( Provided: Lockyer Valley Regional Council ) Belinda Frentz is a herb grower on the state’s G