Researchers are warning that Melburnians will be forced to source fresh produce from country and interstate growers unless the state government acts to preserve farmland on the urban fringe.
The Deakin University-based Food Alliance, which is funded by VicHealth, found that close to half of Victoria’s vegetables are grown on land within 100 kilometres of the city in fringe suburbs including Wyndham and Casey.
The alliance also found that food production on Melbourne’s urban fringe was valued at $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion a year and generated more than 6000 jobs.
Research fellow Rachel Carey said Werribee South was particularly important to Melbourne’s food production, with growers specialising in numerous types of vegetables.
The suburb’s market gardens produce 85 per cent of the state’s cauliflower supply, 53 per cent of the broccoli and 34 per cent of lettuce.
Overall, Werribee South farmers grow 10 per cent of the state’s vegetables.
“[Werribee South’s] proximity to the city, markets and secure sources of recycled water make it so strategically important,” Dr Carey said. “It is important to our food supply.”
Dr Carey said preliminary research carried out last year found some of Melbourne’s most highly fertile land was close to housing developments and in danger of being lost.
The Food Alliance is calling for the government to create a permanent urban growth boundary to preserve farmland into the future.
