SOME of the state’s leading farmers have shared some top tips for beating food price hikes this Christmas.

NSW Farmers Horticulture Committee chair Guy Gaeta said there was a growing gap between the price of food on the wholesale market and at the retailers, and families could save big by shopping smarter in the lead-up to Christmas.

“We know the rising interest rates and energy prices are squeezing everyone at the moment, but you can still share a great meal with your loved ones this Christmas,” Mr Gaeta said.

“Shopping around for fresh food at the local independent green grocer and butcher will save you money.

“Also consider substitutes – cherries may be a bit dearer but mangoes are cheap and plentiful this year.”

With the price of groceries rising around the country, NSW Farmers staff looked at how much the traditional Christmas lunch could cost.

At Sydney Markets last weekend, families could buy pumpkin for $2 a kilo, ten kilos of potatoes for $8, carrots for $2 a kilo and cobs of corn for about 80 cents each.

These prices were similar to those seen at an independent suburban green grocer – $2.99 a kilo for pumpkin, ten kilos of potatoes for $14.99, carrots for $1.79 a kilo and five cobs of corn for $4.

However, the price of those same items was higher at a major retailer across the road from that green grocer; pumpkin for $3.90 a kilo, potatoes for $3.50 a kilo, carrots for $2.50 a kilo and cobs of corn for $1.90 each.

Mr Gaeta said for families who were worried about the cost of living, shopping around and doing a quick price check is an easy way to avoid paying too much.

“The farmers I talk to are concerned about the rising retail price of food because they’re not seeing those higher prices at the farm gate,” he said.

“For our pork and beef farmers, prices have been pretty steady for a while now – same for milk – while lambs are actually a bit cheaper in the market.

“I know there are logistics costs and processing costs for some of these retailers, but if the butcher or the green grocer or the farmer’s markets are cheaper – I know where my family will be shopping!”