Woolworths — putting its money where its organic mouth is

As demand for organic product grows, Woolworths is partnering with conventional and organic fruit and vegetable growers to help either start a journey to organic farming or grow existing organic production. The company is offering up to $30 million over the next five years in interest-free loans and grants, on top of contracted purchase volumes, to Australian farmers who are ready to grow organic produce.

Organic apples in the pilot program

Through the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund pilot program, R&R Smith — Australia’s largest grower of organic apples — is partnering with Woolworths to commercialise a new organic apple variety and bring it to market — an Australian first.

R&R Smith became a supplier to Woolworths in 2006, and now most of its harvest of organic apples (and more recently organic cherries) ends up on Woolworths shelves. The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund will help pay for a nursery to develop R&R Smith’s new apple variety, with the first harvest expected in 2023.

“The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund is supporting us to adopt innovations in our production and technology — plus it means we are growing for a purpose and growing for a market,” said Andrew Smith of R&R Smith.

What does the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund offer?

Interest-free loans will be offered to existing organic operations for land acquisition, new varieties, new facilities and equipment. These loans are also available for eligible Australian farmers who are ready to convert their conventional operations to organic production. The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund will also award financial grants for proposed projects with a higher risk profile or with longer payback. This may include research and development (R&D) or innovative organic fruit and vegetable production methods designed to boost supply in the medium to long term.

To find out more about applying for the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund, email organicgrowthfund@woolworths.com.au.