After relocating to Australia 19 years ago, Amarinder Bajwa transitioned from a transport career in Melbourne to farming aspirations in Victoria's Goulburn Valley. Four years ago, he embarked on this agricultural journey after visiting a friend's farm in Shepparton.
Despite facing severe setbacks, including a 70% crop loss due to a hailstorm and subsequent flooding in 2022, Bajwa remains committed to his farming venture, citing a sense of community and lifestyle connection that contrasts with urban living.
Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) highlights the pressing challenges within the industry. Head of Industry, government relations, and advocacy, Jeremy Griffith, states the sector is at a "crossroads," with most growers failing to realize profits over the past four years. Griffith anticipates further orchard consolidation as growers adapt to escalating input costs not matched by supermarket pricing.
The APAL strategy for the coming years will pivot towards increasing domestic consumer demand for fresh produce, particularly apples and pears. While new export markets in China offer opportunities, Griffith emphasizes the need to boost local fruit consumption, noting a decline in pear orchard acreage and stagnant apple consumption.
"The industry really needed Australians to eat more fruit," Griffith shared, pointing out a 15% reduction in pear orchards recently.
Another concern Griffith identifies is farm succession, with younger generations reluctant to inherit unprofitable and demanding agricultural enterprises. "Their kids don't want to take over because they can't really see a future in it," he explained, highlighting the intense workload and lack of profitability posing existential threats to continuity.
Bajwa's venture reflects a microcosm of broader trends, as he diversifies his orchard to mitigate reliance on seasonal harvests, incorporating broccolini and planning new apple and apricot plantings. His efforts aim at adopting new varieties with improved eating quality and yield while exploring lifestyle balance over financial gain.
Source: ABC News
