While the northern and eastern states of Australia have finished the onion harvest the south is in full production.
South Australian and Tasmanian onion harvests are in full swing," said Onions Australia CEO, Lechelle Earl. "Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales have all finished harvesting. Onions from these states hit the markets from October."
South Australia and Tasmania harvest mechanically, but while South Australia's onions tend to go straight to market or storage, Tasmania onions are harvested into windrows to cure.
"Growing conditions have been reasonable, it has been a very mild summer. Overall size and quality are good. Yields are also looking very strong.
"Domestic demand is good, it seems that coming out of lockdown consumers are still using onions regularly in their homes when cooking. It has also helped that the Victorian food service market has come back on-line after such a lengthy period."
Exports are mainly heading to SE Asian and Europe, however the heavy reduction in international freight is having an impact.
For more information:
Lechelle Earl
Onions Australia
lechelle@onionsaustralia.org.au