Organic Producers OF THE RIVERINA
BY HARRIET KENDRICK Harriet is Australian Organic’s Communications & Digital Coordinator & manages AOL’s websites, communications, digital & print publications & assists with media enquiries.
The past year has certainly been a challenge for producers around the world. In Australia especially, organic producers faced bushfires, floods, and drought, before even the first hint of Coronavirus. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect producers through labour shortages, border closures (both domestic and international), and significant changes in retail and consumer behaviour. Fortunately, for the organic industry as a whole, the pandemic provided a much-needed boost in sales, a trend that is predicted to continue into 2021. However, this is unfortunately not the case for all organic producers. During a short respite in border closures, Australian Organic CEO Niki Ford took the opportunity to fly down to NSW and hear from AOL members firsthand about the issues facing their businesses and how the organisation can better support producers in the region.
The Riverina Region, NSW The Riverina region lies in the south-west of NSW and is abundant with a diverse range of organic produce. Covering over 80,500 square kilometres, this agricultural region provides ideal growing conditions for a range of products, from fresh produce and wine to cotton and textiles. A major tributary of the Murray River, the Murrumbidgee River is the third-longest river in Australia and supports the growth of one-quarter of all fruit and vegetables produced in the state. The region supports a thriving community, largely employed in agribusiness and service industries, with a range of business opportunities sprouting from the Riverina’s developing food culture.
Photography by Louise Wright, Australian Organic Limited. From the top: Fire-tinged native bushland; A fire-damaged apple tree; Grazing goats roaming free on the Bonza Organics property.
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COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN ORGANIC CONNECT
