Introduction

2024 has proven to be another difficult year for Australia's vegetable, potato, and onion growers, amid a cost-of-production crisis, labour shortages, and tightening margins continuing to threaten the viability of growers nationwide.

The AUSVEG Vegetable Industry Sentiment Report released in September revealed alarming trends including:
- 34% of growers were considering leaving the industry within the next 12 months.
- 50% of growers were financially worse off than the previous year.

Financial pressures meant many growers were forced to delay or reduce investment in critical infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability initiatives.

To ensure AUSVEG continues to advocate effectively for the industry and provide credible, up-to-date insights to key stakeholders, we are calling on all growers to take part in our next 6-monthly Vegetable Industry Sentiment Survey.

Your participation is critical. The results of previous surveys have been widely referenced by the Government, industry leaders, and media, and the findings of our 2024 Industry Sentiment Report were integral to informing the development of AUSVEG’s recently launched 2025 Federal Election priorities, on behalf of the Australian vegetable industry.

With that Federal election due to called any day now, participating in this latest survey is an opportunity for growers to ensure the key issues you are facing are brought to the attention of politicians, and other key decision-makers.

This survey covers the following topics:
- Workforce Shortages
- Future Outlook
- Federal Election
- Horticulture Code of Conduct
- Compliance and Regulation
- PALM Scheme

ALL RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS AND CONFIDENTIAL

There are 30 questions, with the ability to skip those questions not relevant to your business. The survey should take a maximum of 7-10 minutes.

Question Title

* 1. Are you are commercial grower and/or packer of vegetables, potatoes or onions?