A new campaign launched by AUSVEG is encouraging shoppers to ‘Check & Choose’ the country of origin when buying frozen and canned vegetables in their regular shop, and to always select Australian grown.

According to AUSVEG, the new campaign comes as the steady encroachment of imported frozen and canned vegetable products onto retail shelves continues undermining the viability of Australian vegetable growers, compounding years of challenging operating conditions and the recent severe impacts of the Middle East conflict.

Through the ‘Check & Choose’ campaign, consumers are asked to always look for the country of origin of any frozen or canned vegetable products they buy, and to always pick Australian product.

Current regulations under the ACCC require labels to disclose whether the product was grown, produced, made or packed in Australia, and the proportion of Australian ingredients. The green kangaroo triangle logo is the best way to recognise products that are of Australian origin, adds AUSVEG.

Supporting the Aussie veg industry

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote says choosing Australian-grown vegetable products supports the Australian vegetable industry, which is especially important as growers continue facing significant challenges that are threatening their viability and Australia’s food security.

“AUSVEG grower surveys reveal that 88% [of respondents’ report being financially worse off than they were a year ago, and unviable returns remain a top five reason for growers intending to leave the industry, an issue exacerbated by having to compete with cheap imported frozen and canned products,” he says.

“Alarmingly, four out of five [surveyed] growers are considering leaving the industry in the next 12 months or would consider leaving if they had a viable exit strategy. Supporting Australian vegetable growers is vital for safeguarding the industry and the country’s food security.”

Confidence in food

Buying Australian also gives consumers confidence in their food, says AUSVEG.  

“Recent investigations into food fraud have raised concerns about the safety, production practices and true origins of imported food,” says the industry body.  

“Labelling requirements for imported frozen and canned produce are also often opaque and confusing, often giving consumers no real indication of the true origins of the ingredients contained within.

“Aussie consumers are urged to choose Australian-grown fresh or processed vegetables every time to be certain that what they are eating is safe, sustainable and ethically produced.”

AUSVEG already delivers the ‘Plus One Serve’ campaign, promoted as a high-impact, inclusive, nationally coordinated behaviour change program designed to deliver long-term health, economic, social and sustainability outcomes for all Australians by increasing vegetable consumption.