Before COVID-19 measures hit the restaurant industry, Bendigo farmer George Bobin, was sending about 30,000 pots of micro herbs across Australia and overseas. Now, pandemic-driven restrictions which banned dining out have brought his business to the brink of collapse.
"Most of our product is sent around Australia, but some is sent to Hong Kong and Singapore. I just received a phone call from an agent, that supplies overseas, with a cancellation of order because Singapore has closed their borders."
Bobin used to send some 30,000 pots of micro herbs across Australia. (Supplied: George Bobin)
Mr Bobin started the business in 2000 with his wife and daughter after noticing a lack of locally grown herbs in the market.
Consumers urged to support local business
AusVEG, a peak industry body for Australian vegetable and potato industries, said there have been a number of reports of Victorian vegetable producers that have had their markets severely disrupted.
National communications manager, Shaun Lindhe, says it is important to support local fruit and vegetable growers while the pandemic rolls on. "The best way for consumers to support local growers during this time is to buy plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables," Mr Linde said.
"Many regional and rural communities rely on a strong agriculture industry to survive to ensure that locals, seasonal workers and backpackers alike are able to keep their jobs, work and live safely, and keep the economy running. It is important that we all work together to lift the demand of fresh Australian fruits and vegetables so that they can continue doing what they do best: growing high-quality, healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables for Australian families."
