Woolworths offering boost to organic farmers with $30 million fund
To continue serving consumers’ growing appetite for organic produce, the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund is providing grants and interest-free loans to fruit and vegetable farmers looking to convert to, or expand, organic production. The latest round of the fund is now open and calling on producers to apply before Monday 28 February 2022.
The Organic Growth Fund was launched in 2018 to invest up to $30 million over a five-year period, in partnership with Heritage Bank. It has provided millions of dollars in grants and interest-free loans to Australian farming businesses to support on-farm projects that will increase organic production and the availability of quality Australian organic fruit and vegetables in the years to come.
Funding through grants and loans of up to $500,000 has been awarded for projects including research and development of new varieties, implementing new growing methods and renewing existing plantings. The fund has also supported the purchase of practical infrastructure for organic production like above ground irrigation, packaging machinery, commercial mowers and sweepers, and shade and netting structures.
Woolworths looks forward to partnering with growers in the latest round of the fund as it invests in Australian farms for the future.