The Bowen-Gumlu region in Queensland produces up to 90 per cent of all of tomatoes and capsicums for the Australian market during September and October, and harvest is soon to commence.
While dry conditions in the south saw a shortage of the fruit over summer, pushing supermarket prices upward of $9/kg, Bowen growers have battled the opposite extreme.
Bowen-Gumlu Growers Association president, Carl Walker, said wet weather had hampered the beginning of the season, however most growers would begin harvesting on time in May or June.
"We start planting about mid-February, but this year we've had some issues with the weather," Mr Walker said.
"It caused all kinds of grief when you're trying to do land prep, put plastic down and plants in the ground and it won't stop raining.
"The water was marvellous in some ways, there's top soil moisture, the water tables are good and the dams are full, so we're pretty much set for the next couple of years."
Mr Walker said growers needed to receive $2/kg for their tomatoes to recover costs and another dollar or two would be welcome to boost the coffers.
"The adverse conditions we've had down south mean there should be decent prices to kick us off. All of us in this region have had two rough years financially; it will be nice to get a bit of a price pick up early in the season."
Source: www.goodfruitandvegetables.com.au
