The Nationals Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe has said today’s announcement that SPC will be slashing its canned fruit production and reducing its peach and pear intake by 40 per cent is another consequence of the cost-of-living crisis due to the Allan Labor Government’s financial mismanagement.
“This is causing great distress to SPC, our local growers and local industries and I support them as we work through this challenging time,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Households are stretched to the limits, with increased household bills, increased taxes and day to day expenses. The Allan Labor government expects it to be business as usual, well it’s not, and today, one of our biggest employers, an iconic company that is 100 years old, can no longer compete with imported peaches and pears from countries such as South Africa and China, where the cost of production is lower.”
SPC has decided to cut its peach and pear production by almost 40 per cent due to declining demand for Australian-grown products.
“This issue highlights that both federal and state governments need to do more to address the cost-of-living pressures and to ensure families are better off and can spend more.”
Ms O’Keeffe also highlighted the need for support for fruit growers who are now facing difficult decisions about their future.
“Our local fruit growers are experiencing significant reductions in demand for their produce and are still trying to work out what these cuts will mean for their businesses and industry and what viable alternatives they have. Some are looking to sell fruit into the fresh market, wholesalers and smaller supermarkets,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“This trend is forcing growers to make some tough decisions, and SPC is also trying to protect their business in these challenging times.”
“The important thing is that SPC survives, has a strong future and that growers are supported.”
“This is a wake-up call to state and federal governments who must do more to support local industries, jobs, regional economies and alleviate cost of living pressures before other industries are impacted.”
The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.