“This decrease in vegetable production is a product of the pressure many growers are experiencing as Australia chooses to increase imports from our international competitors who are now dramatically increasing their market share,” Mr White said.

“Australian growers are essentially being squeezed out by these international suppliers that have lower input costs and lower wages, but which produce products that are generally of a lower quality and freshness, and consumers should be concerned.

“It’s important to recognise that we can’t guarantee that the same quality assurance procedures are being applied overseas as exist in Australia.

“It’s vital that consumers continue to support Australian growers and our local rural economies, particularly given the currently very affordable retail vegetable prices which are offering consumers some real bargain buying opportunities."

According to data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) through Industry Data Economic Analysis the biggest declines in production in 2008/09 were for capsicum chillies and peppers which were down by 16.7 per cent, potatoes at 15.8 per cent lower and watermelons which were 13.8 per cent lower than the year before.

On a positive note, Mr White said that many growers were currently benefiting from a high turnover in vegetable volumes by the major retailers.