Market ripe for citrus and grape producers in Far North Queensland

Citrus and grape producers in Far North Queensland are looking for farms to development into table grape and lime orchards, with strong sales activity in the Mareeba Dimbulah area according to Herron Todd White.

HTW said there is also activity from sandalwood producers with two farms on good quality granite soils recently acquired at premium values. 

"An irrigation water shortage remains the main worry for farmers in the Mareeba Dimbulah irrigation area," HTW said.

"Two consecutive failed wet seasons is now likely to result in irrigators receiving only 60% of their nominated allocation, down from 75% the year before.

"Growers in the Atherton locality who rely on groundwater are likely to fare better on remain, on 75% of their nominated allocation. 

"Values of good quality red soil country continue to rise in the Atherton, Tolga and Kairi localities with a number of sales now over the $50,000 per irrigated hectare excluding structures.

"An avocado farm on good red soils at Atherton has sold for over $100,000 per irrigated and planted hectare excluding structures.

"The farm was planted to Hass variety avocadoes, which are currently in strong demand on the back of high fruit prices.

"Strong prices has led to a large increase in new Hass avocado tree plantings throughout all growing areas from Dimbulah through to Atherton."

A property in Dimbulah featuring 146 acres of fenced boundary is on the market for $3.4 million.

It features 2464 producing lime trees, a 4 Bedroom home plus 2 bed worker's quarters and new packing and machinery sheds.