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David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom

Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.

By news@gippsland - 16th September 2025 - Back to News

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the latest 2025 AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Report shows Australia's food security is at risk, as two in five growers consider leaving the industry. Mr Littleproud said the decision to walk away is being affected by Labor's anti-agriculture policies, including red tape impacting productivity and profitability, as the Horticulture compliance and regulation: reducing the burden by 2030 report is also released.

David Littleproud warned 80% of growers may quit, slashing supply, pushing prices higher, and leaving families burdened by Labor's damaging agricultural policies

Farmers leaving industry

Mr Littleproud said, "Every Australian should be worried that 40 per cent of the industry is considering leaving within the next year, with a further 40 per cent saying they would also quit if they had a viable exit strategy

"Losing 80 per cent of our growers would be disastrous. When supply goes down, prices go up. So families will bear the burden of Labor destroying the agriculture industry at the supermarket checkout," he said.

Farmers facing burden

Mr Littleproud added 62 per cent of those surveyed indicated they were financially worse off compared to 12 months ago, and 53 per cent expected to be worse off by July, 2026. "The cost of compliance for vegetable growers has gone up to $213 million per annum. This huge cost is also impacting our farmers emotionally, with nine in ten reporting negative impacts of compliance audits on their stress levels and mental wellbeing."

"Growers should be focusing on their crops, not being forced to fill out forms. It is no wonder confidence across the industry has been smashed. It is worrying that Labor not only has no plan to fix it, but continues to increase the burden farmers face," he said.

Supporting Aussie farmers

Mr Littleproud added, "Our farmers produce the nation's food and fibre - they should be supported by Labor to get the workers they need, and by Labor being tough on supermarkets, instead of being slapped with more red and green tape and compliance to make food production even harder."

"I am not sure that Australians would want to live in a country where we are importing vegetables and not growing our own - but if there is not change soon, this is the road we are heading down," Mr Littleproud said.

Pictures from Food & Fibre Gippsland Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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