foodpro announces charity partner for 2023

Aussie Helpers has been announced as foodpro’s charity partner for 2023. As rural regions across the country continue to struggle, foodpro will support the charity in its efforts to give back to farming communities.

Felicity Parker, foodpro Product Manager, said Australian farmers are an important part of the food manufacturing supply chain.

Tash Kocks, Aussie Helpers CEO, said back-to-back years of La Niña and flooding have challenged farmers, and the onslaught of El Niño will be just as challenging.

According to Kocks, a drought during the current economic climate could see Australian families pay even higher prices for groceries, and many Australians, including farmers, may not be able to afford groceries.

“If property values drop with the drought and farmers are unable to service their loans due to macro-economic conditions, some farmers will be forced off their land, impacting our food security. As farmers are working hard to prepare for El Niño, we’re also preparing by strengthening our services and our relationships with farming communities,” Kocks said.

Parker said it is imperative that food manufacturers and suppliers recognise and support rural-based businesses.

“Via the partnership with Aussie Helpers, we are looking to raise awareness and funds to support the future of the agricultural sector, which is vital to the operation of food manufacturing in Australia,” she said.

“The innovations and machinery showcased at foodpro will improve efficiencies at the plant level; however, factories will not operate without the vital inputs provided by farmers for meat, dairy, grain and so on.”

Aussie Helpers has provided support directly to farmers for 21 years and created lasting connections with rural communities across Australia. It has assisted 18,000 farmers, saved 10,000 livestock, organised 210,000 L of water to be delivered and raised more than $50m in aid.

Compared to the general population, farmers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and are almost twice as likely to die of suicide, according to Kocks. Over the past few years, almost one-third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health (National Farmers Federation, 2023) and it is estimated that one Aussie farmer dies of suicide every 10 days. All Aussie Helpers team members are certified Mental Health First Aiders.

“We are extremely pleased that foodpro has chosen us as their charity partner this year and is committed to helping make a difference,” Kocks said.