WIMMERA residents are paying more for fresh produce after thousands of primary producers were affected by bushfires.
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Horsham's Peach's Fruit Market owner Janette Griffiths said the price of broccoli doubled in a week, and expected other fruits and vegetables would follow.
"Broccoli did double in price from $3 a kilogram last week to $6.50. There have been a few more price increases," she said.
She said the shop was yet to see major impacts from the fires, however expected that would change in coming months.
"I think that will change over the next few months and we'll start seeing the impacts of supply and demand," she said.
"Whenever there's a cyclone in Queensland we see the cost of pineapples and bananas skyrocket. So when something like that, happens, that's when we're affected.
"Some of our customers have said they think prices will go up. We will always try to keep our prices as low as we can."
Grain Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann, of Rupanyup, said consumers shouldn't be too concerned about increased grain prices.
"We'll see an increase in prices due to the fires, dry period and drought, and lack of surplus of grain. It won't be an immediate increase, but one that happens over a long time," he said.
"It will be an incidental increase. For instance, the price of grain could rise by $200 but the consumer might only see an increase in the price of bread of 10 cents. As long as it's raining and the economy is working, there should be an offset of cost for consumers.
"In terms of demand for fodder, it will be business as usual and I don't think there will be much change in rotation in the Wimmera as a response to the fires come next harvest season."
Mr Weidemann said he would travel to Canberra on Thursday to attend a roundtable chaired by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
"We'll be looking at the impact the fires have had on commodities," he said.
Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke, of Murra Warra, said consumers would see price increases in meat, fruit, vegetables and fodder.
"It will impact the affected farmers more than consumers (but) we are in a supply and demand market," he said.
"The cost of cattle, lamb and sheep will be a challenge for producers. Horticulture has seen a spike in certain items that have been affected by smoke and ash. Fodder will definitely be tight this year. It will come down to whether we get a break in the season."
Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie estimates about 19,000 farmers, foresters and fishers have been affected by the fires and that prices for fresh food would rise as a consequence.
"Supermarkets are letting the Australian public know that they'll have to pay more for their red meat; that they'll have to pay more for their fruit and vegetables ... (and) milk," she said.
"Farmers don't grow food for free, it's a business. I know we like to get all a bit romantic about it but the reality is it's a business and they need to make a living and that means we need to pay the cost of producing the food."
The federal government announced on Tuesday that affected primary producers could apply for $75,000 grants to rebuild their businesses.
Mr Jochinke said the VFF welcomed the announcement, however said it was only "one part of the puzzle".
"It's a good initiative, but there are still a lot of details that have to be sorted out," he said.
"This will be a marathon, not a sprint. It's great that people are donating now but they need to show their support in three months."
Fodder goes to fire affected areas, while donated money goes directly to farmers. There is about $120,000 in the fund as of January 15.
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