Farmers in South Australia are grappling with the challenges posed by soaring fuel and fertiliser prices, which are making it increasingly difficult for them to compete with large supermarket chains. One farmer, Matthew Gore, who operates Lakeview Acres Farm in the Adelaide Hills, expressed his struggles in managing the costs associated with running his business while also trying to support his family.<\/p>\n
Gore, who raises pigs and sells some of his products at the Adelaide Farmers’ Market, shared that he holds a full-time job in addition to his farming responsibilities, while his partner manages the farm full-time. Despite their hard work, they find it increasingly hard to make ends meet. “The rising costs of fuel and interest rates have made it tough to keep food on the table,” he stated. He also noted that the high fuel prices exacerbate their feed costs, further straining their operation.<\/p>\n
While Gore is hesitant to increase his prices, he acknowledges that as a small producer, he faces significant competition from supermarkets that can offer lower prices. “This situation makes it challenging for us to stay in the market, as our products inherently cost a little more,” he explained. He emphasized his desire not to pass additional costs onto customers, who are also facing financial hardships.<\/p>\n
Robert Brokenshire, president of the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association and a former Liberal MP, echoed Gore\u2019s sentiments, pointing out that many farmers in the state are dealing with high operational costs and some are now facing their third consecutive year of drought. “The current conditions are more severe than what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are concerned that inflation could escalate further,” he noted.<\/p>\n
In response to these challenges, the opposition has urged the state government to broaden its Drought Loan Scheme, which currently offers low-interest loans to affected grain and livestock producers in select regions, to include farmers statewide. A spokesperson for the South Australian government stated that they are actively monitoring the situation affecting farmers and are prepared to take necessary actions. They also mentioned ongoing assessments by both state and federal governments regarding fuel security and supply chain issues, highlighting recent cuts to the fuel excise funded by additional GST revenue.<\/p>\n
In light of rising fuel prices, more families have been visiting local markets, such as the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market, although they are likely spending less than usual. Christine Robertson OAM, the market’s executive officer, observed an increase in local family attendance during the Easter Sunday event, noting that while spending may have decreased, shoppers are still purchasing local artisanal goods.<\/p>\n
Local residents have altered their travel plans due to escalating fuel costs. Marek Dubovinsky, for instance, mentioned that his family had planned a trip to Victoria but decided to stay in Adelaide instead. Similarly, Hannah Tran abandoned her plans to visit Sydney, and Rachel Georgeson reported increased use of public transportation to navigate the city. “My husband and I have been taking the train more frequently, which has been quite convenient,” she shared.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ashley Hallse, who traveled from Victoria to Adelaide for Easter, stated he canceled his planned trip to Western Australia later this year due to fuel expenses. “Although the drive here was costly, we are making the most of our time in Adelaide. However, the uncertainty surrounding fuel availability influenced our decision,” he explained.<\/p>\n
During the Easter Sunday service, Catholic Archbishop Patrick O’Regan addressed the congregation, reflecting on the current global crises and the impact of rising fuel prices. He encouraged attendees to continue supporting one another, reminding them of the message of peace associated with Easter. “My hope is for everyone to embrace peace and to become agents of that peace, as it is something our world desperately needs,” he said.<\/p>\n
At St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide, attendance was robust, with many congregants standing at the back and filling the entryway, despite light rain. The Archbishop remarked on the noticeable desire among individuals to seek community and connection during these disconnected times, suggesting that this yearning is drawing more people to participate in communal gatherings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Farmers in South Australia are grappling with the challenges posed by soaring fuel and fertiliser prices, which are making it increasingly difficult for them to compete with large supermarket chains. One farmer, Matthew Gore, who operates Lakeview Acres Farm in the Adelaide Hills, expressed his struggles in managing the costs associated with running his business […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2602,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[43,53,56,51,52,54,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australia","category-au-cost-of-living","category-au-easter","category-au-farmers","category-au-livestock-farming","category-au-local-markets","category-au-petrol-prices"],"yoast_head":"\n