Farmers have warned that there may be fewer mangoes available this Christmas. They urge consumers not to be deterred by the potential higher price.
Queensland’s mango growers, responsible for over 40% of Australia’s supply due to an unusually warm winter, have seen their yields significantly reduce.
Brad Bowen, owner of Sandy Cove Mango Plantation, said that warmer temperatures have resulted in poorer flowering rates for all varieties. This includes the popular R2E2 variety and Kensington Pride, which has reported lower yields.
Mr Bowen said that the combination of a warm and productive winter last year was responsible for the large crop. However, this winter’s temperatures have not been cold enough to produce fruit on trees.
He said that the lower yields of mangos in Queensland were probably worrying state farmers, who were hoping to return to normality after a difficult 2022-23.
Mr Bowen claimed that despite a “massive harvest” of mangoes last summer, most farmers were losing money because of an oversupply.
He said, “That lowers the cost but people make no money.”
It’s the year you should be doing the best, but you do the worst.
Mr. Bowen reminded mango lovers that farmers must also maintain business costs.
He said that the retail prices should be matched to the product costs but not at an unaffordable price.
“At the very least, we have to make sure that they are able to produce more fruit the following year.”
Bureau of Meteorology Queensland recorded its warmest winter average temperatures ever, which was 2.32C higher than average temperatures.
The maximum and minimum temperatures reached the highest 10% of all winters since 1910.
The warm weather in Queensland this winter has affected the mango crop. Bureau of Meteorology
Australian Mangoes, a trade association for the industry, reported that fruit production in Queensland was down last year. The state produces 22,000 tons of fruit per year.
Growers in Dimbulah and Mareeba reported lower volumes of Kensington Pride Mangoes compared to last year.
Some Kensington Pride orchards are lacking flowers, which has led to some growers being disappointed at the start of the season. They should have seen fruit of a reasonable size by now, but they’ve seen little.
“R2E2s are setting well, but volume may still be a bit lower than last year.” Keitts, Honey Golds, and other varieties are beginning to bloom well.”
