General News
28 October, 2025
Massive rise in horticulture
HORTICULTURAL production in our region has risen by a massive 42% over the past five years, according to latest figures, with the most growth being generated from the Mareeba and Dimbulah areas.
Production now at $748 million a year
The Mareeba and Atherton Tablelands Horticulture Profile, prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, reveals that the total gross value of production (GVP) has hit $748 million, with the citrus industry now the highest valued horticulture commodity in the region.
Mostly produced in the Mareeba and Dimbulah areas, citrus now yields $170 million a year, a rise of 200% in the past five years due to the maturation of high yielding lemon and mandarin trees, as well as strong market prices.
Bananas remain strong with steady growth in the total planted area, coupled with strong market prices giving it a GVP of $169 million, followed by avocadoes at $150 million.
The report notes the uncertainty surrounding the avocado sector, despite the total hectares planted doubling since 2019.
“However, this increase in production, combined with a market clash with Western Australian fruit has seen market prices significantly decline,” the report states.
“The average domestic price per 5.5kg tray of avocado between February-August has halved since 2019, from $40 to $21 in 2023. This decrease in market price has resulted in a net industry decline of $25 million for Tablelands avocados, despite production area doubling.”
Mango production still rates highly at nearly $54 million, but the report notes a gradual decline in production and gross revenue since 2019.
Berries, valued at $47 million, have also moved up the list, with total hectares under crop doubling since 2019, as has table grapes, now valued at $44 million GVP, with production centred around the Dimbulah area.
Papaya is growing in importance, doubling in value from $19 million in 2019 to almost $40 million in 2024, grown predominantly around Mareeba and Dimbulah.
“This is a result of strong prices in addition to an increase in total planted area, most of which are the red variety,” the report states.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the changes were “pretty dramatic” for some crops.
“A lot of the rise is purely production driven which means people planted more stuff – grapes and citrus are definitely in that category,” he said.
“Dimbulah is where we are seeing that expansion including papaya, which is driven by Skybury mainly, and bananas, in terms of prices, are performing well.
“It sounds impressive and, in this area, where we have a large footprint, 42% is a reasonably large increase.
“You have to take into account that some crops, for example avocadoes, as the tree gets bigger, production doesn’t just double or triple, it rises very rapidly – it’s a multiplying effect as the trees mature – that’s why the numbers look dramatic.
“(The rise in GVP figures) show the resilience of this region and there’s a few reasons for that – there’s good land available to be used if you want to have a go and there is still water that you can get your hands on.
“Farmers are the biggest gamblers on this planet... they take a punt on whether the environmental conditions will suit a variety and if you get it wrong, it’s a very expensive mistake.
“People are always looking at getting a niche in the market by bringing something different and something new.”
