How the latest NSW floods will impact vegetable supply and prices

Australians have endured eyewatering prices for some fresh produce in recent months, and with more floods battering NSW, high prices are expected to persist.

Floods earlier in the year severely impacted southern Queensland, which is a major growing region.

AUSVEG spokesperson Shaun Lindhe says the impacts of that flooding are still being felt, with lettuce, beans, zucchini, broccoli and spinach currently selling for elevated prices.

“Having such a significant number of floods impacting crop and infrastructure has significantly impacted availability of some lines,” he told Heidi Murphy, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Mr Lindhe says while the NSW region currently flooded isn’t a major region for winter vegetable supply, the floods will still cause supply chain problems.

“While it’s not a major veg production region, crops like cabbage [will be impacted], again some lettuces and kale, and some Asian veg varieties. It’s also a fairly big turf production region,” he said.

While many fresh items are expensive, there are still some crops that are good value including pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, bananas and avocado.

Press PLAY below to hear how the most recent flood will affect vegetable prices