mmg.com.au

The fruit picking season is in full-swing, with growers reporting excellent yields, but not such great prices being paid to them.

Adrian Conti of J. and D. Conti said this season felt unusual, because they were more organised ahead of the rush than they have been in years past.

‘‘I employed about nine more workers a few weeks ago,’’ Mr Conti said.

‘‘They are nearly full-time, doing about eight hours on most days. We’ve had a lot of travelling Australians looking for work this season.

‘‘Our prices are down though, so that’s a bit disappointing.

‘‘But I think growers have realised that it’s out of our hands to some degree,’’ he said.

Mr Conti said the season would start to slow down gradually just after Easter.

He said SPC Ardmona had put a quota on growers and was generally taking up to a third less fruit than previous seasons.

‘‘A lot of growers across Cobram supply the cannery, so that will have an impact,’’ he said.

Mr Conti said this would have a negative impact on the local economy and it would have a trickle-down effect on local businesses in and around Cobram.

Fellow fruit grower Frank Diaco of R. Diaco and Co said he had been busy with about 25 pickers and another dozen staff sorting and packing in the shed.

‘‘The yields are looking pretty good, but market prices are a bit low,’’ Mr Diaco said.

He said market prices below what was expected would have an impact on growers’ bottom lines throughout Cobram and district.

Mr Diaco also commented on SPC Ardmona’s reduced quota.

‘‘They will be taking about 25000 tonnes (of fruit) and we believe there’s 35000 out there (in Cobram and district orchards),’’ he said.