Here we are halfway through the year.. and so much has already happened... this one is a long one, so bear with me
Hi Friends.
The first half of 2026 has brought challenges and opportunities across Australian agriculture. I hope this latest update finds you well and enjoying delicious food from local growers.
With ongoing global uncertainty, higher freight costs, and the possibility of a drier second half of the year, Australian agriculture is certainly being kept on its toes. As always, growers across the country continue to adapt to whatever the season brings.
Rice, Freight Costs & the New Season
We’re beginning to see the effects of higher freight costs flowing through to this year’s harvest. While the impact on nuts has been relatively small, rice prices have risen significantly following a couple of difficult seasons and increased production costs.
Our first rice for the season has come from Marlivale Farm in the Nimbin Valley of northern New South Wales. Many of you may remember Mac and Sophie, who helped us out after last year’s organic rice crop failures. This year we’ve received their Medium Brown and Fragrant Rice, with White Rice to follow once it’s ready for polishing.
Later in the season we’ll also be exploring certified Biodynamic rice from the Barham region of NSW. Meanwhile, although Slater Farms don’t have rice available this year, we’re pleased to have just received their excellent new season soybeans.
El Niño & the Season Ahead
Many growers are keeping a close eye on the possibility of El Niño developing later this year. While the signs are worth watching, they are not a forecast.
The good news is that many crops received timely rain after planting, giving them an excellent start and building valuable soil moisture. If conditions do become drier through winter and spring, those reserves will be important.
For now, the season is looking promising, and we’ll be watching it unfold alongside the growers who produce your food.
Changes Behind the Scenes
One of the biggest developments in the Australian grain industry this year has been the decision by Wholegrain Milling to cease organic milling and focus on its Certified Sustainable range.
As many of you know, Wholegrain Milling has been an important supplier of organic flours for Sovereign Foods for many years. We have already been advised that stocks of some organic lines are beginning to run low, so you may notice occasional shortages over the coming months while existing stock works its way through the supply chain.
This is part of a broader trend within the Australian food industry, where processors are reassessing their priorities and the economics of servicing smaller specialty markets. While these changes create challenges in the short term, they also create opportunities for new partnerships and investment in Australia’s organic processing capacity.
We’re already working with growers and alternative mills to ensure we can continue supplying Australian-grown organic flour wherever possible. Like everything in agriculture, it will take a little time to adjust, but we’re confident the industry will adapt.
Looking Forward
Agriculture has always been shaped by changing seasons, markets and conditions, but one thing remains constant: the resilience of Australian farmers. As we move into the second half of 2026 we’re optimistic. Crops are in the ground, harvests are beginning to arrive, and we’re looking forward to sharing more stories from the paddock over the coming months.
Thank you for supporting Australian farmers, regional communities, and a more transparent food system. We look forward to bringing you more harvest updates over the coming months.
Harvest Updates
One of the joys of working directly with Australian growers is that every harvest has its own story. Since our last update we’ve welcomed several new season crops, farewelled a few that didn’t quite make it this year, and are still waiting to hear how the season has unfolded for others. Here’s where things stand.
Dry Fruit
We’re excited to finally welcome back Helen and Peter Kamvissis’ naturally dried fruit. After a couple of drought-affected seasons with little fruit available, this year’s harvest has made its way to us, despite some rain during drying causing a slight delay. Their Organic Sultanas are now available, with Currants expected once we’ve sold through our remaining Sunbeam stock.
Welcome Waltanna Farms
We’re delighted to welcome Waltanna Farms to the Sovereign Foods family of growers. The first harvests to arrive include chickpeas, brown and gold linseed, linseed meal, and their beautiful cold-pressed linseed oil. We’re looking forward to sharing more of their story over the coming months as these products make their way into the range.
Macadamias
The new season macadamias from Stuart at Ecodamia have arrived. While yields weren’t exceptional, the quality is excellent. Stuart is also expecting to receive his organic certification in July, meaning we will be able to label Stuart's Macas as organic.
Almonds
Jarrad’s new season insecticide-free almonds are looking fantastic. Dry conditions reduced the overall crop, but the quality of the nuts has more than made up for the smaller harvest.
Pecans
The new season pecan harvest is complete, with a solid crop despite slightly lower yields. We’re still working through Luke, Warren and Christine’s 2025 harvest, but expect to begin packing the new season pecans over the next couple of months as processing is completed.
Mung Beans
Neil’s mung bean crop has had a tougher season, with inconsistent rainfall affecting quality. We’re hopeful some of the harvest can be recovered as Mung Dahl, while we’re also speaking with other growers to secure whole mung beans.
The good news is that Sophie and Ben Olm, a young organic farming family from Brigalow, expect to have mung beans available this season. If all goes to plan, we’ll have both whole mung beans and Australian-grown Mung Dahl available later in the year.
Faba Beans
Unfortunately, no luck on our Queensland crops. We have reached out to a network of Australian organic growers in the hopes of filling this one. We are hoping in a few months we will have new season supply
Future harvests for 2026
| Crop |
Region |
Time |
| GF Grains |
Southern QLD |
April/May |
| Macadamias |
Burnett Region QLD |
May/June |
| Rice |
Northern NSW |
June/July |
| Grains |
Central QLD |
October |
| Grains |
NSW |
Early November |
| Peanuts |
Kingaroy QLD |
November/December |
| Grains |
Victoria |
Late November/December |
| Dried Fruit |
Victoria |
February 2027 |
| Figs |
NSW |
March 2027 |
| Almonds |
SA |
March 2027 |
| Pecans |
QLD |
April 2027 |
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About Us
Sovereign Foods is a Brisbane based, community built initiative, created to support community food systems based on transparency, sustainability and self-determination.
