It’s been a challenging year for NSW and Queensland with very challenging growing conditions. Producers have had to contend with floods, which not only affect what’s in the ground but also planting conditions. This has led to produce shortages and high prices.

Fruit

Citrus has been good the last few weeks including orange varieties such as navel, cara cara and blood. Mandarins are plentiful, as are ruby grapefruit and lemons. Avocadoes have been plentiful and cheap, particularly the Hass variety. Pears are still good including Packham, Josephine and Beurre Bosc. Apple season has been good so there are still plenty of varieties around.

Vegetables

Silverbeet, kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage and all available but expensive. Tomatoes, cucumber and zucchini are less available and of variable quality. Salad greens are hard to get, of course. Even potatoes are in short supply.

With the struggles of the last few months we need to make do with what’s available and lower quality expectations. Warmer, drier weather will see the situation improve but with further wet weather forecast, there may still be struggles ahead.