Stonefruit growers throughout Australia’s Granite Belt (Stanthorpe) region south west of Brisbane have reported major production losses this year, due to larger numbers of flying foxes than usual.
Damage is estimated at 40-50 per cent of stonefruit production - worth more than $4 million (£1.8m). In addition, while the apple industry is not yet in production, growers are already reporting some fruit damage. Fruit crops in other regions are also at risk.
Peak horticulture organisation Growcom said consumers would ultimately pay the price when less fruit at the market meant higher prices for the supplies available. Growers would lose major income and potentially their farms.
Growcom has laid blame for the damage directly with the Queensland government’s decision to drop the damage mitigation permit scheme in May without a transition period or workable alternative solutions.
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