AU: European vegetable imports has increased substantially

New data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that Australia’s vegetable imports from European nations have increased substantially. Imports from Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and France have collectively increased by an astounding 289 per cent or $45 million in value, since 2007-08.

Vegetable imports from Belgium have increased the most in percentage terms, nearly 100 per cent or $10 million in value since 2007-08, whereas imports from the Netherlands have grown the largest in value by $21 million or 82 per cent. The majority of vegetable imports sourced from Europe are either processed or frozen, this includes canned tomatoes and tomato paste from Italy, prepared potatoes (i.e. fries) from the Netherlands and Belgium, and canned vegetables from Spain.

“This increase in vegetable imports from European nations comes as no surprise to the industry, particularly given the level of financial support they receive under the Common Agricultural Policy,” said Andrew White, Manager of Industry Development and Communications, AUSVEG.

According to the European Commission, the CAP’s expenditure totalled €58 billion in 2011, accounting for 43 per cent of the European Union’s annual budget. Focusing on one of three elements of support for farmers, direct payments to fruit and vegetable growers in Italy totalled €247 million, Spain €224 million, the Netherlands €102 million, France €100 million and Belgium received €55 million. The combined CAP expenditure (for all elements) of these five nations equated to around €25 billion, in 2011.

“This type of support to growers, creates an uneven playing field and makes Australian growers less competitive. Such support measures, coupled with Australia’s high operational costs, have already partly contributed to the demise of Australia’s processed vegetable industry,” said Mr White.

Vegetable processing companies McCain Foods and Heinz shifted production facilities from Australia to New Zealand in 2010 and 2011 respectively. “Lower frozen vegetable exports are one of the trends we are experiencing since the emigration of Australia’s vegetable processing sector. Australian frozen vegetable exports have fallen by 35 per cent since 2009-10,” said Mr White.

For more information:
Andrew White
Ausveg
Phone: +61 (03) 9882 0277
E-mail: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au