October 21, 2023 | ABC News |
Western Australia is experiencing a significant decline in mango supply, with yields down by more than 50% this season. Factors contributing to the reduced supply include low yields of the summer fruit, impacting prices and potentially extending the high prices well into summer. Growers, such as Riverfarm Mangoes near Kununurra in the Kimberley, report mango yields 50-60% lower this year, and the reasons remain unclear. The Australian Mango Industry Association projects a substantial decrease in Kununurra's mango crop from 145,000 trays last year to 52,000 this summer. The situation is mirrored in the Northern Territory, where Katherine's mango crop is projected to decrease from 1.8 million trays to 1.1 million this year. The absence of the fruit fly control chemical dimethoate, following a ban by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, adds pressure to Western Australia's mango supply. The industry faces challenges in obtaining interstate mangoes due to biosecurity measures, and alternative treatments involve additional costs and logistics. Despite the challenges, higher prices for mangoes benefit growers, especially smaller ones in Kununurra and Carnarvon. The growers hope consumers understand that they are not profiteering from the price hikes and encourage support for local businesses and farmers.