The decline of family-run farms: A tale of compliance and rising costs
The story of MMM Mangoes and Avocados is a cautionary tale for the agricultural sector. This family-owned farm, nestled on the outskirts of Rockhampton, has been a staple in the local community for over three decades, supplying fresh mangoes to families across the state. However, the farm's struggle to turn a profit amidst rising production and regulatory costs, as well as staffing challenges, has led to a difficult decision: selling up.
The new owners, prominent cattle producer and stockhorse breeder Evan Acton, plan to clear the mango trees and establish a stockhorse stud. This marks a significant shift in the region's agricultural landscape, as the farm transitions from mango cultivation to a different, albeit related, industry.
The Keoghs, the outgoing owners, took over the farm 12 years ago, expanding the orchard to 4,000 mango trees. However, the farm's output has been on a downward trend, with only 12,000 seven-kilogram trays of mangoes shipped this season, compared to 36,000 trays in the previous year. This decline in yield, particularly every second year, has contributed to the farm's financial struggles.
The issue of rising costs is a pressing concern for the agricultural industry as a whole. Australian Mango Industry Association chief executive Trevor Dunmall highlights the challenges faced by growers, including increased costs for items like manure and electricity. The industry is also grappling with the burden of compliance, which Mr. Dunmall describes as a "mountain of red tape and paperwork."
Scott Kompo-Harms, chief executive at Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, echoes this sentiment, noting the proliferation of compliance schemes and the increasing regulatory requirements from both the government and supermarkets. The pressure to meet these standards can be overwhelming, and Mr. Kompo-Harms warns that common sense is often lost in the process.
The case of MMM Mangoes and Avocados underscores a deeper issue: the struggle for family-run farms to stay afloat in an era of rising costs and stringent regulations. The joy of farming, as Mr. Dunmall suggests, is disappearing, and compliance is a significant factor in this decline. The industry's peak bodies are working to address these challenges, but the path forward remains uncertain.
This story raises important questions about the future of agriculture and the role of family-owned farms in a rapidly changing landscape. As the industry grapples with rising costs and compliance pressures, the question remains: can family-run farms adapt and thrive in this new era?
