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August 11, 2024 | ABC News |

In early 2023, Australia faced an unexpected pineapple glut due to a mass natural flowering event, causing an oversupply that led to large amounts of fruit rotting in fields. As a result, farmers were left with fewer pineapples for the season, which has now led to an undersupply and higher prices. Growers like John Cranny from Queensland have benefitted from the price increase, but the situation remains challenging.

The Australian government, through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, is currently assessing the biosecurity risks of allowing pineapple imports from India and Indonesia. If approved, these imports could offer consumers cheaper pineapples but may pose significant challenges to local farmers, who are concerned about competition from countries with lower production costs and potential biosecurity risks.

Imported pineapples could introduce pests and diseases, particularly since these are known to exist in India and Indonesia. The industry has raised concerns about pests hiding in the crowns of pineapples, even after they are removed. The biosecurity risk assessment is expected to be published in the first half of 2025, followed by a 60-day public consultation period. The final decision will impact the future of Australia's pineapple industry.

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