Central Australia attracts Murray Darling Basin farmers

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Drought stricken southern irrigators are looking to Central Australia's arid region to grow crops.

Alice Springs horticulturalist Geoff Kenna says farmers are attracted to the area because there's access to water, nutrient rich soil and suitable climatic conditions.

"In many ways, the Riverland and the Mallee areas of Victoria grow crops that will perform well, and in fact in this area they have an advantage, because they can reach earlier markets by producing in those areas," he says.

"So I'd think you'd find that a lot of people with water issues would be looking quite seriously in this area."

Mr Kenna believes that, while freight costs will be high, they could be passed on to consumers.

Sourced from ABC Rural.