Australians have warned that the price of groceries is about to skyrocket further as farmers issue an urgent warning about the food supply: Here’s what your weekly groceries will cost you
- Shoppers were warned to expect more food shortages and price hikes on essential items.
- National Federation of Farmers says availability and affordability of food is a problem
- They warned of food shortages or price increases if there are more floods in the next six months.
Experts warn that supermarkets will soon experience more food shortages as weather conditions make it difficult for growers.
As a third La Niña weather system brings heavy downpours and wilder weather, food producers and growers are struggling to keep up with demands.
Foods such as poultry, green leafy vegetables, berries and grains will increase, and the price of dairy products is said to go up as much as 30 percent.
Shoppers have been warned to expect to pay more at checkout as cost of living soars
The result of the flow will mean that supermarkets will have to raise their checkout prices, adding to the cost of living crisis.
As global supply chains continue to slow down, inflation and extreme weather events like La Niña are forcing producers to pass on additional costs to supermarkets and, in turn, regular customers.
Ash Salardini, chief economist for the National Federation of Farmers, said farms are experiencing worker shortages in the processing and manufacturing areas.
“If we don’t address food availability and affordability, it’s going to be an issue for 12 to 24 months,” Salardini said.
It seems that the increase has already begun, with the price of oil rising 33 cents, milk 16 cents and margarine another 15 cents.
Leafy greens are one of the tipped grocery items to see a price increase (stock image)
But with La Niña weather seeing forecasters expect flooding, the price of more produce could skyrocket.
“If we have flooding in the next three to six months or if it rains at the wrong time, for example during harvest, expect to see shortages or price increases,” Salardini said.
Shoppers are encouraged to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables to save money and ensure supply.
Shoppers urged to save costs by buying seasonal produce
While the cost of lettuce has dropped significantly from $12 for a single iceberg to $2.50 in recent weeks, the cost of some essentials has risen by as much as 50 percent in the last 12 months.
The price of cooking oil is up 33 percent, milk is up more than 16 percent, while margarine is up as much as 50 percent, according to comparison app Frugl.
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