Aussie Orange Week will kick off on Saturday amid what has been a difficult season for growers, with Citrus Australia hoping to garner support through domestic consumption.

The body's CEO Judith Damiani says it is heartbreaking to see growers struggling when crops have been so good this year.

"This year more than 240,000 tonnes of Aussie navels will be produced compared to 177,000 tonnes in 2010, and the quality is exceptional," she says.

"Aussie citrus growers are really struggling this season as export returns are extremely low due to the high Australian dollar, and the subsequent oversupply is forcing domestic returns down.

"Our citrus growers have survived the drought, frost and pest infestation, but unfortunately the exchange rate may be the final straw for many growers."

She says the national campaign will begin on Aug. 13 at an AFL (Australian Football League) game in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), before growers rally at national landmarks on Aug. 16.

Statistics from April to June show Australia's year-on-year exports are down 13%.

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