The total gross value of horticultural production in Queensland's Mareeba and Atherton Tablelands has reached US$488 million (A$748 million), according to the latest Mareeba and Atherton Tablelands Horticulture Profile from the Department of Primary Industries. The citrus sector now leads regional production, overtaking bananas for the first time.
Citrus production, mainly concentrated in the Mareeba and Dimbulah regions, is now valued at US$111 million (A$170 million), marking a 200% rise over five years. The increase reflects the maturation of high-yielding lemon and mandarin orchards and steady market prices.
Bananas follow closely with a gross value of US$110 million (A$169 million), supported by stable prices and an expanding planted area. Avocados rank third at US$98 million (A$150 million), though the sector faces pressure from oversupply and weaker returns.
"However, this increase in production, combined with a market clash with Western Australian fruit, has seen market prices significantly decline," the report states. "The average domestic price per 5.5kg tray of avocado between February-August has halved since 2019, from US$26 to US$14 in 2023. This decrease in market price has resulted in a net industry decline of US$16 million for Tablelands avocados, despite production area doubling."
Mangoes remain one of the region's key crops at nearly US$35 million (A$54 million), though the report notes a gradual reduction in both output and value since 2019. Berries have grown to US$31 million (A$47 million) with planted hectares doubling over the same period, while table grapes, centred around Dimbulah, now account for US$29 million (A$44 million).
Papaya has also increased sharply in both area and value, reaching nearly US$26 million (A$40 million) in 2024, double its 2019 level. Production is mainly concentrated around Mareeba and Dimbulah. "This is a result of strong prices in addition to an increase in total planted area, most of which is the red variety," the report states.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro described the production changes as "pretty dramatic" for some crops. "A lot of the rise is purely production driven, which means people planted more stuff, grapes and citrus are definitely in that category," he said.
"Dimbulah is where we are seeing that expansion, including papaya, which is driven by Skybury mainly, and bananas, in terms of prices, are performing well. It sounds impressive and, in this area, where we have a large footprint, 42% is a reasonably large increase."
Moro added that the figures highlight the region's resilience. "There's good land available to be used if you want to have a go, and there is still water that you can get your hands on," he said. "Farmers are the biggest gamblers on this planet; they take a punt on whether the environmental conditions will suit a variety, and if you get it wrong, it's a very expensive mistake."
Source: The Express
