Thread: Send back Chinese apples

The thing i don't understand is if you ask almost anyone (born here australians anyway) they agree that buying local is the right thing to do especially when it comes to fresh food, but if that's the case why do we end up in this situation where this stuff is imported in the first place?

It's up to everyone to buy local produce otherwise we will get more and more imported crap on the shelfs until we don't have a choice anymore.

A lot of people say they want local but I think a lot don't look to see what they are buying or like you say the dollar rules. Buying the cheapest can still cost you money in tax when we have to put more people on welfare.

Originally Posted by nihilism

The thing i don't understand is if you ask almost anyone (born here australians anyway).....

Ahem.....I wasn't born here

Originally Posted by nihilism

....why do we end up in this situation where this stuff is imported in the first place?

Because there is a demand for the stuff. Like I've already pointed out average Joe shopper is looking for the lowest price. It's why Cheap as Chips and the countless other shops selling cheap generally poor quality overseas made cr*p are flourishing.

I suspect it's also a weapon to use against local growers. We can stock our shelves cheaper from China so you'd better drop your prices. Eventually the local growers don't have enough margin to cover them during hard times and end up going broke.
Cheers,
Jim

Originally Posted by jimbur

I suspect it's also a weapon to use against local growers. We can stock our shelves cheaper from China so you'd better drop your prices. Eventually the local growers don't have enough margin to cover them during hard times and end up going broke.
Cheers,
Jim

I suspect you are 110% correct - especially as with the 2 majors and some minors dominating the market it becomes a sell it to me at my price or go broke.

Only if we buy them. Spread the word.

Noticed Chinese pears in Woolies yesterday (24th) but there didn't seem to be anyone buying. Hope it stays that way.
Cheers,
Jim

Good, its time Australians supported each other

Originally Posted by jimbur

I suspect it's also a weapon to use against local growers. We can stock our shelves cheaper from China so you'd better drop your prices. Eventually the local growers don't have enough margin to cover them during hard times and end up going broke.
Cheers,
Jim

This has been going on for years. A lot of the good fruit growing areas have already had the orchards torn out and been turned into residential estates because the growers couldn't make any money. The current local growers are largely based in marginal areas and with the odd weather we have been having lately crop losses have been high.

Combine the pressures of wholesaler buyers dictating low prices and the public's desire to have access to all types of fruit at all times of the year, instead of being content to live with seasonal variety, and you get to the current situation where cost and availability outweighs the preference for local product.

When was the last time you heard Tasmania referred to as the Apple Isle?

Others may know - I didn't - apparently apple juice marked as consisting of local and imported product is actually concentrate from China [imported product] and mixed with water from Australia [local product] - no wonder the retailers are paranoid about the consumers finding out the real compositions and country of origin labelling.

Renember - buy local and buy your kid a job - it may be a little more expensive but it beats the dole que.