Abundant water, wide stretches of undeveloped land, and proximity to Asia once positioned northern Australia as the nation's next big food bowl.

But that dream has largely wilted under the weight of economic pressures, logistical challenges, and a changing climate.

Parker Poynt Packhouse founder Quentin Parker has lived in the Ord Valley for nearly 40 years — home to the highest average temperature of any mango-growing region in the north, and about 3,000 kilometres from Perth.

Now retired, he still maintains about 460 mango trees on his property, though they yield little fruit.

He said business was booming for a time, but things changed after 2011.

"[2011] was the biggest year. I did 123,500 trays that year," he said.

"And then, the following year, I think it was 70,000-odd.

"I t

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