27 April 2026,
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Fruit Growers Victoria calls for stronger recognition of horticulture in MDBA Basin Plan Review
Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) has called for urgent reform of water policy in its submission to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Basin Plan Review, warning that irrigated horticulture is being significantly underrepresented despite its critical role in Australia’s food production and regional economies.
FGV highlights that horticulture is a major contributor to the national economy and Basin productivity, yet its needs are not being adequately reflected in current water planning frameworks.
FGV Chair Mitchell McNab said water security for fruit growers is essential to sustaining both food production and regional communities. “Permanent plantings depend on reliable, long-term water availability. Without it, orchards, jobs, and regional economies are placed at serious risk,” the Chair said.
Key points from the FGV submission include:
- The region produces a significant share of Australia’s fruit and delivers the highest agricultural output in the Murray–Darling Basin (~$14.5 billion).
- Fruit growers rely on permanent plantings that require consistent, long-term water supply, making water security non-negotiable.
- The current Basin Plan Review underrepresents agriculture and overlooks the contribution and needs of irrigated horticulture.
- High-reliability water entitlements in the Goulburn–Murray Irrigation District have fallen by ~45% since 2000, increasing reliance on volatile water markets.
- Under dry conditions, there may be insufficient water to sustain existing orchards, threatening national food supply and regional economies.
- Reduced water availability impacts jobs, local businesses, and the long-term viability of regional communities.
- Water buybacks remove water from production, increase prices, and disproportionately impact Victorian growers.
- Clear triggers and strategies are required to manage periods of low water availability and reduce risk for growers.
- Investment in infrastructure, technology, and efficiency (e.g. irrigation upgrades and netting) can reduce water use while maintaining production.
- Reliable domestic food production must be central to Basin water policy decisions.
- FGV urges a Basin Plan that balances environmental outcomes with protection of agriculture, regional communities, and food security.
FGV is also calling for stronger recognition of horticulture within the MDBA Basin Plan Review, noting it is currently underrepresented despite its importance to national food supply and regional economies.
We encourage all Victorians to have their say before submissions close on Friday 1 May, stressing the importance of community input in shaping future water policy.
FGV has now lodged its submission with the MDBA. The full submission is available on the FGV website.
END
Media contact:
Fruit Growers Victoria,
Mitchell McNab, Chairman 0427 168 901
Michael Crisera, Growers Services Manager 0427 239 871
