A north Queensland independent greengrocer says consumers still won't change their spending patterns, even if they know the farm gate price of their fruit and vegies. Legislation put forward by federal independents Bob Katter and Nick Xenophon would make it mandatory for fruit and vegetable retailers to display the farm gate price of produce alongside the retail price. The 'Farm Gate to Plate' bill has been criticised by the Produce Marketing Association, which represents 3,000 growers, distributors and retail outlets.
Townsville greengrocer Michael Burge says he doesn't know how the information about prices would be useful to consumers. "Whether they know the cost price or not, I don't think it's going to change their shopping habits," he said. "I don't think it's going to suddenly make them stop buying tomatoes because they know Woolworths are making 60 per cent gross profit on tomatoes."