My folks had moved to the USVirgin Islands when I was out of school and the prices there were unreal...a long time ago, but.. Nearly everything food, construction, all other stuff was imported...Australia's a Continent? I fear it's like the US where so much is made and fed to us from off 'continent'. What is made and produced here is exported.
If I say more, it could become political...but what is in folks minds when they say that our food prices are going up because of corn prices going up for 'ethanol'...No It's gas prices...duh? There nuf said.
Nothing is making sense in either the food or the fuel worlds these days. Real estate prices here in good ol Capital City and beyond were going thru the roof and have come down noticably here...first time my prop. values have dropped in the 30 years I've been here. OH well. I've still got equity?
Lemons? Little more here...Water bottled? I would rather buy one of those 'filter thingies' and have it on the side. Avocados? Don't know if they're in season or not now..don't do 'em often. CHIPS? Outrageous? What's the exchange rate? Can I send you a carton? Would that be allowed? Gosh I could get rich on the S& H fees alone...Powerade stuff, doesn't that come in powder concentrates? Far cheaper...
Give me a farmer's market any old day! If you can find any near you you can find amazing in-season stuff! That's what I do...Here the season is early yet, and only some berries and leafy greens are readily available..but anything Home grown and fresh -not shipped from another continent is welcome. If you have one, check it out!

Do NOT GET ME STARTED on TAXES? This isn't the place for it. tho...Hugs to all! - j