Woolworths bolsters cherry grower’s climate resilience with $500,000 grant

Following back-to-back years of challenging weather, New South Wales organic cherry farmer Luke Cantrill is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund, issued by Heritage Bank, for all-weather crop protection to keep his cherries safe from rain, hail and birds.

The grant will allow his business, Cantrill Organics to future-proof its farm and significantly reduce the risk associated with changing climate patterns ensuring a more consistent crop thanks to comprehensive protection all year round.

Luke Cantrill said; “We are passionate about being able to meet what is a growing demand from Australian consumers for high quality, organic cherries. We are excited - and quite frankly, relieved - that we now have better surety for the future and for consumers across the country.”

Woolworths Director of Fruit and Vegetables, Paul Turner said the supermarket retailer has seen a steady increase in demand for organics over the last five years, as customers become more interested in where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

“We’re proud to be backing tomorrow’s organics industry today with future-focussed Australian farmers like the Cantrills,” said Paul.

“Building on our long term relationship with Cantrill Organics, we’re excited to see what this latest grant will unlock for the future of their farm, and how together we can bring more great organic Central West cherries to Australian customers.”

The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund was established in 2018 in partnership with Heritage Bank to provide financial grants and interest-free loans to support organic fruit and vegetable production.

PHOTO: Luke Cantrill of Cantrill Organics with his daughters.