24
OF AFFAIRS
issue 38 aug 2017
LI KET GH T
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
R A M
S P OT
Eight years ago, a new market business, Organic Growers Group, was formed. Nothing unusual in that. What was unusual was the fact that this business was founded by two women. Claire Crocker wanted to start a business to support Australian certified organic farmers. She began talking to organic apple grower Wendy Edwards, and with the support of Wendy’s father, Don Edwards, a partnership was formed.
From left: Gurpreet Gill, Nikita Orvis, Jen Osborne, Dee Turvey and Katie Tierney
T
he pair bought a store at the West Melbourne Market site. At the time, total staff consisted of Manager, Jen Osborne, and a forklift driver, Chip Ranieri, who is still with them today. In a relatively short space of time, the Organic Growers Group has become well known as a Merchant for certified organic growers and their stock is procured from all over the country. Anyone who works in the market environment is well aware of its unique atmosphere. The most obvious factor that separates the Market from many other workplaces would have to be the fact that most of the work takes place outside of daylight hours. Add to that the wonderful colours and smells of the produce, and a sea of carts, forklifts and orange vests as far as the eye can see. There is a surprising sense of camaraderie, despite the fact that each individual business is in direct competition with all the others. Another thing that stands out is the majority of males on the trading floor. If you consider the market historically, this is not all that surprising. Back in the
days before forklifts and pallet jacks, the physical strength required for the job of lugging around bags of produce was something beyond most women. Many market businesses have evolved from family beginnings, where the sons came of age and joined their fathers and grandfathers. Organic Growers Group is the only allfemale owned and operated wholesale business in the country, and, although we can’t be totally sure, it is believed to be only one of three in the world. In addition to Director/business manager, Claire Crocker, and Director, Wendy Edwards, all key positions are held by women. The staff include manager, Jen Osborne, sales and administration officer, Katie Tierney, salesperson, Nikita Orvis, Operations coordinator, Gurpreet Gill, cashier Dee Turvey, Forklift driver Chip, and a packing team of 14-16 people employed on a casual basis. Manager, Jen Osborne, says the industry is a challenging one regardless of gender. ‘It has its ups and downs, like any industry. But it’s challenging