AS the cost of living continues to rise, price increases at the checkout are not filtering down to primary producers, with many growers frustrated at the challenge of remaining viable under current circumstances.

"We are seeing reports of the increase in price of some vegetables," said Shaun Lindhe, national manager for communications at AUSVEG.

Mr Lindhe highlights that the price that consumers pay for produce isn't what the grower receives.

"Growers all over Australia have faced significant hardship and challenges over the last two years due to COVID–19, worker shortages, supply chain disruptions and input cost rises," he said

"However, increases in prices at the retail level are not necessarily passed on to the grower.

"While the price that consumers may be paying for certain lines may be higher, this does not translate to increased prices for growers, or even in prices that cover the increased cost of production.

"The increased cost of critical farm inputs such as fuel, fertiliser and farm chemicals are certainly impacting the market, along with the reduced availability of produce as a result of the recent floods in Queensland and New South Wales.

"Cost rises for inputs are having a significant impact on growers' bottom lines and cannot continue to be absorbed by growers, who are already operating on extremely tight margins."

The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on the Federal Government to strengthen fuel security in an effort to address current global volatility, and ease the current pressure on supply chains.

This would contribute in part to curbing the current inflation on food, and reduce ever–increasing input costs and uncertainty for farmers.

"From sowing crops to transporting it to market, our entire supply chain is reliant on a secure, affordable and disruption–free fuel supply," VFF president Emma Germano said.

Ms Germano said the reduced global supply of fuel could have dire consequences for global food security and called on decision makers to bolster Australia's resiliency to fuel shortages.

"As producers of perishable essential goods, the security and timelines of supply are critical.

"We don't know what lies ahead, but now is the time to safeguard our industry."

Until this issue is addressed production and transport chains will remain under strain and food prices will be high.

"It is hard to predict the actual impact on price for the consumer, but these conditions do occur from time to time and are usually experienced in the short–term," said Mr Lindhe, of the long–term prognosis.

"The vegetable industry does, however, operate a national supply chain which is highly resilient.

"The vast majority of fresh vegetables are sourced from multiple growing regions, meaning where gaps appear in one part of it, they can be filled by supply from another."

And as the industry continues to pivot to meet demand, overcoming current adversity to ensure that the domestic market has food on its plate, the viability of our agricultural industry remains a priority.