In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Col@45]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Greed, greed, greed by the big supermarkets......as long as they're making billion $ profits, they don't care if the farmers starve !

 

[Robbo3006]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The supermarket giants probably have meetings already, but covertly. No way it's by chance their prices are almost always the same.

 

[Suzanne rose]

maybe that's what a lot of farmers should do. That will teach the greedy supermarkets a lesson and it will be a win win situation.
The farmers get paid more and the people get cheaper and fresher produce.

My daughter took her little ones , apple picking on the weekend and they absolutely loved it . It another section they could also pick cucumbers ,tomatoes and plums.

Family admission was $5 , you could eat as much as you want while there , and then what you took home you paid $5kg. Yes same price as shops but so much better , they reminded me of apples from when I was young, crisp and very tasty.

 

[Petra]

Support your local farmers, if they have roadside stalls ...

 

[youngy650]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

This has being going on for years where the major super markets would tell growers what they would pay them for their produce and it came down to Take or Leave it.

 

[June E]

Support your local farmers, if they have roadside stalls ...

Definitely but you don’t see many these days ! When my kids were young we used to go for Sunday drives and always bought fruit and veg from farmers selling on the side of the road.

 

[AlanQ]

Definitely but you don’t see many these days ! When my kids were young we used to go for Sunday drives and always bought fruit and veg from farmers selling on the side of the road.

would depend on what State or city location. Melb produce was grown in areas of the south east and west that are all now housing estates. Farm gates still exists, just much further out of the metro area. Equally, the consumer demand for strawberries, tomatoes etc means they are grown in Qld or WA and transported, a cost that, as we all know is not cheap. That cost is then passed on through the checkout. Considering a watermelon is 90%+ water, not sure why anyone buys it when not 'in season'. Not likely to be many if any tomatoes from Vic this year following the early summer rains when seasonal tommies are coming on. Rains have resulted in split skins, most likely the same will apply to SA grown seasonal tomatoes.

 

[Nanny Julie]

Just a thought.
Maybe some people don't want a whole watermelon , and choose to buy the cut ones at supermarkets.
I'm not sure if roadside stalls would be able to , or willing to , sell half a melon ?
Supermarkets are just disgustingly greedy.
I feel for our producers.

 

[Janice McKay]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What I find sneaky is Coles, Woolworths and other stores put up discount stickers saying like 2 for $4, yet under that sticker its $2 each. So where is the saving? I feel if that is what they do to us, then, I can believe they are ripping off the farmer. We need farmers, otherwise we don't eat.

 

[BabsL]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

We USED to see roadside F&V stalls everywhere when we drive more than 30mins outside Melbn.
Apples, Potatoes, Plums, Strawberries, Pumpkin, Onions - by the big bag or by the CRATE! Sometimes we even saw condiments like jam & chutney for sale - all homemade.
Early Saturday-Sunday mornings coming back from Yarra Valley overnight, there was always a wonderful HOT DOUGHNUT van somewhere on the way and we’d buy 3-4 bags of hot sticky jammy doughnuts!
In Tooradin was the famous Apple Fritter Van (shaped & painted like an Apple).
These were wonderful days!
The F&V never “went off “, the crate of apples lasted forever, with Apple pies, Apple Sauce, Apples & Cheese, apples everywhere - an less cancer because of eating apples!

Strangulation Government rules killed off all that fun of buying roadside FRESH F&V - helping the giant corporations to charge what they want and ripping us off!

Bring back the F&V roadside stalls!
We miss them, we want them, we need them!

 

[Annna]

maybe that's what a lot of farmers should do. That will teach the greedy supermarkets a lesson and it will be a win win situation.
The farmers get paid more and the people get cheaper and fresher produce.

My daughter took her little ones , apple picking on the weekend and they absolutely loved it . It another section they could also pick cucumbers ,tomatoes and plums.

Family admission was $5 , you could eat as much as you want while there , and then what you took home you paid $5kg. Yes same price as shops but so much better , they reminded me of apples from when I was young, crisp and very tasty.
View attachment 40073

Hi Suzanne,

Can you tell me the name/address of the farm please. Our grand daughter would love that.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Hi Suzanne,

Can you tell me the name/address of the farm please. Our grand daughter would love that.

I will get it from my daughter. My other daughter and I are going Thursday
It is in Bilpin NSW I will get the correct address and let you know asap

 

[Clancieblue]

maybe that's what a lot of farmers should do. That will teach the greedy supermarkets a lesson and it will be a win win situation.
The farmers get paid more and the people get cheaper and fresher produce.

My daughter took her little ones , apple picking on the weekend and they absolutely loved it . It another section they could also pick cucumbers ,tomatoes and plums.

Family admission was $5 , you could eat as much as you want while there , and then what you took home you paid $5kg. Yes same price as shops but so much better , they reminded me of apples from when I was young, crisp and very tasty.
View attachment 40073

Whe I was a kid we got taken out on Sunday afternoon to all the fruit stalls along the road .Mum packed a thermos for afternoon tea and a swing in the park. Kids are missing out .
Your daughter is very smart Suzanne ,good on her.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Whe I was a kid we got taken out on Sunday afternoon to all the fruit stalls along the road .Mum packed a thermos for afternoon tea and a swing in the park. Kids are missing out .
Your daughter is very smart Suzanne ,good on her.

My daughter is always doing things like this , then it encourages all her sisters to do the same with their kids.

 

[Annna]

I will get it from my daughter. My other daughter and I are going Thursday
It is in Bilpin NSW I will get the correct address and let you know asap

Thank you, I look out for your post.

Annna

 

[MariaG]

When we go for our country day trips, we always come home with something from a roadside stall.
Never anything but good quality and value.
Latest purchase was eggs, honey and apples. DEEEElicious.
This latest stall was in the shape of a wood cabin, had shelving, and a computer on the wall so people could pay by EFTPOS, as well as the honesty tin for cash. Very schmick.

 

[Shane O'Neill]

In the sun-drenched fields of Queensland, a local farmer is selling his hefty watermelons for a price that barely covers his costs.

This desperate move is an illustration of the struggles faced by many Australian farmers who are grappling with the harsh realities of supermarket price wars.

Premier Steven Miles recently shared a poignant image of one such watermelon on social media, revealing the sad truth behind its price tag.

'A Queensland farmer is selling this 7kg watermelon by the side of the road for $10, because he can't afford to sell it for the $4 he was offered by the supermarkets,' he wrote.

View attachment 39671

Premier Steven Miles shared a photo of a farmer’s watermelon on social media. Credit: @StevenJMiles / X (formerly Twitter)

'At the checkout, people are paying close to $20.'

This distressing situation is a symptom of a larger issue: the ongoing battle between local farmers and supermarket giants.

The farmer's plight has come to light as the Queensland Government launched a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket price gouging, a practice that has been squeezing farmers and inflating prices for consumers.

In a bid to address this issue, Miles held meetings with representatives from Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. During these discussions, all three supermarket chains agreed to participate in the parliamentary inquiry into grocery pricing.

'They were all concerned about the concerns I was raising with them,' Miles told the media.

'They were good meetings.'

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in February, and the supermarkets have agreed to share more information about their pricing strategies.

‘The supermarkets have also agreed to share more information with us and as much of that information that we can share with Queenslanders, we will,’ Miles said.

'We'll put that information together in a way that is transparent for Queenslanders so they can get a better sense of why they're paying what they're paying at the supermarket.’

The Premier's actions were prompted by conversations with struggling farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

'I spoke to them about the experiences of Queensland farmers and the differences in prices between what they're getting at the farm gate and what Queensland families are paying at the grocery store,' Miles said.

‘I look forward to receiving this (information) and we will work with the supermarkets, farmers and growers on solutions that will take pressure off household budgets.’

This issue is not unique to Queensland. Across Australia, farmers are feeling the pinch as they grapple with low prices offered by supermarkets, high production costs, and the challenges posed by climate change.

This situation led farmers to close up shop and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. You can read more about the farmers’ stories here.

The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier warned supermarket giants that government intervention could be on the cards if they fail to pass lower prices onto consumers.

Former Labor Minister Craig Emerson is leading a review of the Food and Grocery Conduct Code, which governs how supermarkets interact with suppliers and customers.

Currently, major supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and Metacash (which owns IGA), are only required to voluntarily abide by this code.

Key Takeaways

• A Queensland farmer is selling huge watermelons for $10 by the roadside because he can't afford to sell them for the low prices offered by supermarkets.
• Premier Steven Miles highlighted the issue on social media and is addressing the problem of supermarket price gouging through a parliamentary inquiry.
• Supermarket chains have agreed to appear before the inquiry and to share information to establish transparency on grocery pricing for Queenslanders.
• The situation is drawing government attention, with moves towards intervention to ensure supermarkets pass on fair prices to consumers, as well as a review of the national food and grocery code led by former Labor Minister Craig Emerson.

What do you think about this issue, members? Have you noticed the price difference between the farm gate and the supermarket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Hit the road Jack and hit the farm gate stalls fresher better quality and cheaper and the farmers will make a quid if people did this the supermarkets would be wondering what's going on the thieving parasites

 

[Suzanne rose]

Thank you, I look out for your post.

Annna

I would call them beforehand, also in with the $5 family admission you get to pick 3 large sunflowers

 

[relljube]

Everyone is hanging their hat on this "grocery enquiry". Just another Labor Party gabfest when nothing comes of it! The CEO's of the majors will talk their way around the "enquisitor" and produce reams and reams of paper detailing where the markups are absorbed (all lies). Everyone involved will pat themselves on the back for a job well done and the prices will still remain if not increase because they got away with it.