Bowen mango growers are in for a strong season of good prices, according to local growers and the industry’s peak body.
Conditions have been excellent for farmers across the state, meaning a high yield is expected which could drive down prices as demand lessens.
Picking season in North Queensland commences in November, running for roughly four to six weeks on average, and local farmers are currently expecting between $40 to $45 dollars per seven-kilogram tray, depending on species/variety/ and tonnage.
The industry’s peak body, Australian Mangoes Industry Association, are forecasting a strong outing from Bowen and the Burdekin of roughly 1.1 million mangoes from November through to late January – a large contribution to the country’s 8 million tally.
But with an excellent yield, prices could drop due to supply and demand. But that’s if the industry – which is still reeling from the sheer drop off in backpackers, who usually fill the role of picker – can find workers.
The launch of the recent Pick Paradise campaign – which sought to lure agricultural workers to the region – in September is what the industry hopes will be a lifeline.
The fruit picking season in the southern states has already reported being left short-handed, with much of the industry in Victoria falling behind, and in some cases, leaving fruit to rot for lack of seasonal workers.
Bowen and the Burdekin are the fourth largest producers of mangoes in the country.
The industry is expecting an excellent yield after favourable conditions, but who will pick the crop?
