Four organic fruit and vegetable growing operations are the beneficiaries of a million-dollars in grants and interest-free loans that will allow them to upgrade production systems and develop expansion plans, ensuring that they remain sustainable into the future.
Woolworths has awarded $1 million in grants and interest-free loans to four organic farms across Australia in the second round of the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund.
The $30 million Fund was established in 2018, and has committed to a five-year partnership with Heritage Bank to help Australian growers meet the increasing consumer demand for organic fruit and vegetables.
The four successful recipients in the second funding round – Gingin Organics, N&A Group, Biofarms Australia and Pairingi Farms – grow a wide range of fruit and vegetable varieties on farms based in Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania.
“We’re proud to be backing the expansion plans of entrepreneurial growers across Australia through our Organic Growth Fund,” Woolworths Head of Produce Paul Turner said.
“We’re seeing double digit growth in customer demand for organic fruit and vegetables, and believe the trend will only continue over coming years.
“We’re particularly interested in working with conventional growers who are looking to diversify crops and convert to organic production.”
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