Rallying support for Australian growers impacted by floods

Late last year, close to 300 growers with an estimated 1,500 hectares of land in the Northern Adelaide Plains were significantly impacted by severe weather conditions and flooding.

 

These conditions caused around $50 million in damages and losses. Consequently, farmers in the region have experienced many challenges relating to low seed volumes to resow crops, decreased availability of fungicide to treat surviving crops, damage caused by weeds and insects, as well as widespread damage to infrastructure.

The South Australian Produce Market Limited initiated a partnership with the Horticultural Coalition of SA, AusVeg SA and Foodbank SA in an effort to raise much needed funds for the purchase of seedlings and assistance with re-establishing viable crops for the future, ensuring all affected producers would get back on track as soon as possible.

 

Established in October, this Appeal has effectively rallied support from the community, industry partners and businesses to provide much needed help to local horticulture growers affected.

 

Speaking about the SA Growers Flood Appeal, Chief Executive Officer, South Australian Produce Market, Angelo Demasi said, “The SA Growers Flood Appeal is raising much needed funds to help with the purchase of seedlings and assist with the re-establishment of viable crops for the future.

“Special thanks is extended to all major donors (Brisbane Markets, CHEP, Government of South Australia, IGA, ORORA, South Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables, South Australian Produce Market and Visy), their considerable support and donations were critical to the success of the appeal” he said.

 

“Thanks to the generous donations from South Australians and businesses such as Foodbank, The Horticultural Coalition of SA, CHEP, Visy, IGA Supermarkets and SA Mushrooms, we’ve been able to raise $152,000. This financial aid has started to be given out to help farmers get back onto their feet” Mr Demasi said.

 

CHEP Australia’s Director, Supply Chain Solutions, John Alderson, said he was proud of CHEP’s support for the local community, its partners and suppliers as part of this Appeal.

 

“We are committed to supporting this region and its return to a productive and prosperous area that provides the fruit, vegetables and flowers that many of us enjoy within our households.

 

“CHEP is proud to collaboratively support those in need and make a real difference” said Mr Alderson.

 

A grower of fresh produce and CHEP customer impacted by this flooding is Comfresh Group.

 

Speaking about this, Comfresh Group’s Sales Manager, Jamie Dodds said, “It was difficult to see all the hard work you put into growing produce throughout the year go to waste due to crops being underwater and spoiled.

 

“Since the severe flooding occurred, it has been great to see the industry and community really come together to help producers like us get back onto our feet. Our team really appreciates all the support we have received and the generosity of those who supported growers like us through the SA Growers Flood Appeal” said Mr Dodds.

 

Funds from the SA Growers Flood Appeal are currently being administered by Foodbank SA with applications for financial assistance being assessed by an independent panel of growers and industry members.

 

For more information:
Kathryn Crofts
Chep
Tel: +61 2 9856 2547
Mob: +61 0 0437 108 844
kathryn.crofts@chep.com