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.
The new campaign, running online and through AUSVEG communication channels, 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 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (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.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said: “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 percent 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.
“Alarmingly, four out of five 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.”
Buying Australian also gives consumers confidence in their food. Recent investigations into food fraud have raised concerns about the safety, production practices and true origins of imported food. 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, 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. The ‘Check & Choose’ campaign complements Plus One Serve by encouraging consumers to purchase Australian-grown processed vegetables, as well as fresh vegetables.
“This campaign is about making sure Australian-grown, value-added products are front of mind with Australian shoppers,” said Mr Coote. “In the continuing cost-of-living crisis, we know that consumers are switching to frozen and canned products because they are convenient, cost effective, and may reduce at home wastage.
“Australian consumers want to be confident that their grocery purchases meet the rigorous food safety and ethical standards they have come to expect in Australia. Remembering to check the country of origin and using this information when choosing products is the best way to ensure your food is safe, sustainable and ethical.
“Australian vegetables are also healthy and great value, so AUSVEG is urging all consumers to support their health, their bank balance, and Australian growers by eating more Aussie-grown vegetables.”
“Checking and choosing products to ensure they are made with Australian vegetables is especially important for packaged and frozen foods, as more and more of these products are imported. We’re lucky that in Australia 98 percent of the fresh vegetables consumed here are grown by Australian vegetable growers, but we need to ensure the whole industry is viable to ensure productive, viable Australian vegetable growers and food manufacturers in the long term.”