A new study analysing fruit and vegetable prices in regional Victoria shows that locally grown produce doesn’t necessarily cost more than fruit and veg grown outside of the region. Health experts say the findings are good news for household budgets, local communities, local farmers and retailers, as well as the environment.
The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, investigated the prices of 36 commonly consumed fruits and vegetables in the Loddon Campaspe area of regional Victoria to determine whether their price varied depending on where they were grown and sold. It found that the price of locally grown produce was similar in price to those grown outside the region.
Local food systems are receiving increasing political attention to support better health and environmental outcomes, as reducing the distance that produce travels before it is consumed lowers emissions from things like transport and storage. It also supports employment for farmers, retailers and workers in local economies.
Addressing access to fresh, healthy food
Lead researcher, Dr Christina Zorbas, from Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation says unhealthy diets are a key concern in the Loddon Campaspe region, but this new research offers insights into how we can address economic access to fresh, healthy food.
“Fruit and vegetable intake is vital to good health, but currently only one in eight residents in the Loddon Campaspe region meet the daily recommendation of five serves a day of vegetables, and only around half are getting enough fruit each day. We also know that around two in three adults in the local region are overweight or obese. Similar trends can be seen around the country,” she said.
“Particularly during a cost-of-living crisis, having access to affordable locally grown foods can play a significant role in determining what we eat and how healthy we are. We conducted this study to find out if eating local, fresh produce was more expensive and are pleased to report that it doesn’t cost more to eat local Loddon Campaspe fruit and vegetables.”
Value of small supermarkets
Dr Zorbas says the results of the study also provide insights into where residents can source local fruit and vegetables.
“Locally grown fruits and vegetables were primarily available through the local farmers’ markets, followed by greengrocers and small supermarkets. Unfortunately, large supermarkets rarely stock locally grown produce,” she said.
“The study shows that more needs to be done in Australia to invest in our local fruit and vegetable supply chains to help growers sell to their communities at affordable prices and convenient locations. This will likely produce benefits for the health of communities and the planet and help re-balance power across the food supply chain.”