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 today 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.
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.
Researchers collected prices from 65 vendors between February and May 2023, finding that fruits and vegetables grown locally in the Loddon Campaspe region are similar in price to those grown outside the region.
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
Co-author and IHT Professor Kathryn Backholer, Vice President, Public Health Association of Australia says that the cost of fresh produce is viewed as just one barrier to healthy eating, and the study also points to the need for comprehensive action to address Australia's obesity crisis.
"In the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election, the Public Health Association of Australia is calling for the next Australian Government to act on seven key areas, including obesity and the growing impact of climate change on our health. We need comprehensive strategies to tackle both of these challenges. Local, state level and national actions all play an important part.
"This should include strategies that ensure healthy foods are affordable and campaigns that raise awareness amongst residents that locally grown produce is not more expensive than produce from outside the region, and in fact offers additional benefits, including supporting local businesses, reducing environmental impact, and providing cost-effective, fresher options for consumers. It's a win, win, win scenario and it is likely to apply in most parts of Australia where local produce is grown."
The research project was conducted in partnership between Deakin University and Healthy Loddon Campaspe – a Victorian State Government-funded initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for communities in six municipalities (Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Rangers Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, and Mount Alexander Shire).
Fruit and vegetable item |
Locally grown price ($ per kg) |
Victorian grown price ($ per kg) |
Australian grown price ($ per kg) |
Strawberries |
19.92 |
22.37 |
19.19 |
Red apples |
6.90 |
6.77 |
5.72 |
Iceberg lettuce |
4.11 |
4.37 |
4.73 |
Spinach |
23.69 |
25.18 |
20.40 |
Potato |
3.50 |
5.10 |
4.43 |
Pumpkin |
2.25 |
3.49 |
2.75 |
Bok choy |
8.25 |
9.09 |
9.02 |
*Examples of average prices collected from 65 retailers between February and May 2023
