M E D I A R E L E A S E
18 February 2026,
Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) has expressed strong disappointment following the release of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan Review paper, which appears to have largely overlooked the role and impact of horticulture across Basin regions.
FGV says the omission fails to recognise the critical contribution that growers and farmers make to regional economies, employment, and Australia’s food security. Victoria alone produces a significant proportion of the nation’s fruit, supporting thousands of jobs and underpinning many rural communities.
While FGV acknowledges the importance of addressing environmental challenges within the Basin, the organisation is concerned that the review does not adequately consider the social and economic consequences for horticulture and the broader regional communities that depend on it.
FGV is calling for a more balanced approach that recognises both environmental priorities and the essential role of irrigated horticulture in sustaining Australia’s fresh produce supply.
“We fully support the need to protect the environment, but this cannot come at the expense of ignoring horticulture and the communities that rely on it,” said FGV Chair Mitchell McNab.
“Growers are the backbone of many regional economies. If horticulture is not properly considered in Basin planning, the long-term impact on jobs, local businesses, and Australia’s ability to produce its own food will be significant. We need to see a balanced approach that secures both our environment and our food production future.”
FGV has formally expressed its concerns to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and will continue to advocate strongly for changes to the Plan to ensure horticulture is properly recognised and included.
FGV also encourages all fresh produce suppliers to make a submission to the 2026 Basin Plan Review and share firsthand the impacts that failing to acknowledge horticulture would have on their livelihoods, regional communities, and Australia’s food production capacity. Submissions can be made here: https://getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview
Submissions close 5.00 pm (AEST) Friday 1 May 2026.
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Media contact:
Fruit Growers Victoria,
Mitchell McNab, Chairman 0427 168 901
Michael Crisera, Growers Services Manager 0427 239 871
MEDIA RELEASE
