AU: FNQ mango industry being deserted

A Far North Queensland mango grower says up to half the plantations in his region have been abandoned this year because they aren't profitable.

Mareeba producer John Nucifora says in the last few years, growers have been getting up to a tray less for their mangoes than it costs to them to produce.

He says it looks like the industry is dying around him.

"People just abandon their crops and you see more and more of it in the Mutchilba-Dimbulah area, some in Mareeba," he says.

"And I was down in the Burdekin about three months ago and I saw massive amounts of trees just abandoned, people have walked out, don't want to know them.

"That only comes down to one thing, the guys are not making any money."

It's expected the lack of fruit coming out of North Queensland will increase farm gate prices for those growers remaining.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Publication date: 11/18/2009