In an effort to increase employment opportunities in the Ali Curung community of the Northern Territory, a remote garlic producer has transitioned from using machinery to manual labor for this year's harvest. Centrefarm, the organization behind this initiative, is focused on employing and training Aboriginal workers from the community, which is situated nearly four hours north of Alice Springs and faces significant poverty challenges. This year, approximately 30 individuals who were previously unemployed are participating in the garlic harvest, marking the third consecutive year that Centrefarm has undertaken this project.
The decision to replace machines with human labor was influenced by the success of last year's harvest, which saw a significant community engagement. Workers are now using pitchforks and their hands to harvest about three tonnes of garlic, a method that not only reduces the expense associated with machinery but also promotes inclusivity and community participation. Additionally, the drying process of garlic has been adapted to utilize natural resources, with workers constructing drying racks from wood and chicken wire to leverage the sun and warm desert climate for drying the produce.
Centrefarm's approach aims to create a self-sustainable economic model in the region, offering both casual and permanent employment opportunities to the community members. The harvested garlic is destined for sale at local grocers in Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, as well as at the Alice Springs Christmas markets, reflecting a collective effort towards economic development and self-sufficiency.
Source: ABC News