To help meet future demand for organic fruit and vegetables, The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund has provided $1 million in grants to two Australian farmers.
Woolworths’ director of fruit and veg, Paul Turner, said: “We’re continuing to see a steady increase in demand for organic produce and customers are becoming more interested in our organic range.
“Together we’re working to boost the availability and choice of organic produce for our customers.”
Cherry farmer Luke Cantrill, who owns and runs Cantril Organics – the largest organic cherry orchards in Australia – in Orange, NSW has received $500,000 from Woolworths to build all-weather crop protection over his cherry orchard.
Cherries are susceptible to weather conditions and heavy rainfall in the past years has adversely affected Cantrill’s crops. The new weather system will protect more than two hectares of cherry orchards from rain, hail and birds, ensuring consistent crop yields every year.
Cantrill Cherries’ MD, Luke Cantrill said: “This grant will help us cover most of our cherries before the end of the year, providing us with immediate reassurance for the season ahead and greater climate resilience in the long term.”
Peninsula Fresh, an organic vegetable producer in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, has received a $500,000 grant as well to help invest in harvesting equipment and packing systems. It will boost production by 20 per cent next year.
