AUSVEG Annual Industry Sentiment Survey September 2026 (incorporating #3 Middle East Conflict Survey) |
Introduction
To date 2026 has been another tumultuous year for the Australian vegetable industry, and there are no clear signs this will improve in the immediate future.
Since February the industry has also been severely impacted by the Middle East Conflict. AUSVEG conducted two Middle East Conflict surveys in March and May to understand the impacts of the conflict we having on input costs, production and ongoing business viability.
The surveys found that since the start of the conflict that:
- fertiliser prices had increased 54% on average (May 26)
- fuel prices had increased 61% on average (May 26)
- outside of fuel, freight and fertiliser, packaging and irrigation supplies were the most affected inputs in relation to price increases and availability
- on average overall production costs increased close to 30% in the 3 months from March 26 to May 26
- by May 26, 29% of growers had modified their planting schedules, with a further 30% actively assessing their future planting schedules
- growers, had only been able to recover 17% of production cost increases, therefore absorbing the other 83% of cost increases
- 14% of growers had decided not to harvest crops due to low farmgate returns
- 44% of growers were exploring new lines of credit, extending existing lines of credit, delaying paying bills, selling assets or seeking new loans as a result of the Middle East conflict
Findings and insights from our surveys continue to inform AUSVEG advocacy priorities, and continue to be widely referenced by the Government, industry leaders, and the media.
The data from the survey has been utilised within the Plus One Serve initiative to boost vegetable consumption, and within a multitude of AUSVEG submissions and representations to Government on key issues including – the minimum wage review, the PALM scheme, food security and productivity, among many others.
To ensure AUSVEG’s continuing advocacy on behalf of growers is as relevant and effective as possible – and that key concerns can continue to be raised with decision makers and industry stakeholders – it is vital to ensure views and feedback from as many growers as possible are captured in this Industry Sentiment Survey.
Your participation is critical.
This survey covers the following topics:
- Workforce Shortages
- Future Outlook
- Backpackers and PALM
- Fuel and Freight costs (Middle East)
- Input costs (Middle East)
- Retailer behaviour during Middle East Conflict
· Ag-tech adoption / return on investment
· Productivity and margin squeeze
ALL RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS AND CONFIDENTIAL
The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.