Inspired by the distinct flavor of a ruby red grapefruit, Antony Ellis relocated to South Gippsland to commence a mixed farming venture named Phil Fresh Farm in Mirboo North. However, the post-COVID economic environment posed significant challenges, leading to the cessation of his farming activities.
This trend was not isolated, as the Prom Coast Food Collective, a platform facilitating semi-direct purchases from small-scale farmers in South Gippsland initiated in 2017, witnessed a decline in participation. The collective's co-founder, Amelia Bright, highlighted the increasing difficulty in accessing farming land and the consequent reduction in innovative small-scale farming endeavors. The collective experienced a surge in customer engagement during COVID lockdowns, but interest waned as restrictions lifted, with a notable shift in consumer behavior towards dining out and revisiting farmers' markets.
The prevailing economic conditions have pressured consumers to focus on basic survival, overshadowing their food-sourcing philosophies. Monash University's Associate Professor Fiona Newton, an expert in consumer psychology, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the growing concern among Australians regarding the affordability of their basic needs amidst rising interest rates.
Source: abc.net.au