Australia’s organic farming receives funding boost

Woolworths Organic Growth Fund has awarded $1 million in grants and interest-free loans to four organic farms across Australia. The funding enables the producers to upgrade production systems and develop expansion plans, ensuring that they remain sustainable into the future.

The four recipients in this second funding round are Gingin Organics, N&A Group, Biofarms Australia and Pairingi Farms, which grow a wide range of fruit and vegetable varieties in Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania. 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.

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.