Sugar prices have dropped to levels not seen since the early 2000s and now trades below the cost of production of even the most efficient producers in Queensland.
Turning to pineapples, at the peak of the winter glut, they were retailing for as low as $2 each. While they are currently selling for between $3.80 and $4.50 each in Australia's major supermarkets, pineapples will not be able to underwrite Queensland's economic development.
This is in contrast to the state's coal mining industry, which ironically was the butt of much criticism just three years ago, when it was dismissed as being almost irrelevant.
Not only is the coal sector now providing solid high-paying jobs in a world class industry, it is increasingly investing in innovation and automation and providing exciting career paths for some of the state's best and brightest.
This week we learnt that University of Queensland tops the global tables when it comes to mining engineering education.
Mechanical and Mining Engineering Head of School Professor Ross McAree said students studying at UQ gained access to world class programs and leadership in engineering education, research and development.
"These results are a testament to our school's high level of industry collaboration, as well as our research quality and its impact across the resources sector," he said.
Many of those highly-skilled and talented young graduates can expect to further their careers in Mackay and the Bowen Basin.
The resources sector contributes more than $1 billion in wages alone to the Mackay region. Due to the strengthening of the mining sector, Mackay has the lowest unemployment rate in Queensland at 3.8% and there are currently more than 500 jobs advertised on-line in the mining, resources and energy sector in the Mackay region.
Palasczcuk and her government may have finally cottoned on to the fact that the coal industry needs investment in education and infrastructure to thrive.
Its commitment of $3.6 million for the Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence was a commitment in confidence in the sector, its development and adoption of cutting-edge technology as well as acknowledging the industry's contribution to jobs, exports and the broader economy, according to Queensland Resources CEO Ian Macfarlane.
"Mackay is supported by its peak industry association the Resource Industry Network which plays a crucial role in ensuring the city is front and center for investments in building regional capabilities, especially through education and innovation," he said.
While there is no "Big Coal" statue to rival the "Big Pineapple", there are educational and innovation centres that will ensure that coal mining continues to grow in Queensland in the long term.
