It started with a potato but now Nashdale farmer Luke Cantrill is committed to growing organic cherries.
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Cantrill Organics has been given a $170,000 grant from Woolworths to boost his business.
Mr Cantrill, who farms the land with parents John and Debbie Cantrill, said 25 per cent of the crop now went to the supermarket group.
He said they started growing organically with a crop of potatoes that proved a success and made them think about cherries. They were certified organic about 11 years ago.
"That was the catalyst," he said.
Instead of smaller cherries at the start of the season we'll be able to start with luscious large cherries.
- Luke Cantrill, cherry farmer
The potatoes are gone and now it's all about cherries.
Mr Cantrill said they had been supplying to Woolworths for three years and the rest of the crop went to export and domestic markets.
He said organic methods added about 30 per cent to his costs.
However, he said the grant would help them develop the business and try growing new varieties.
"We are getting a good quality cherry, full flavour. We know we are delivering to market cherries that are chemical free and good for the environment," he said.
Mr Cantrill said they were hoping to extend the length of the cherry market from the current 5-6 weeks to two months through the new varieties and farming practices.
"The new varieties will bring our harvest season forward from the end of November to the start of the month. And instead of smaller cherries at the start of the season we'll be able to start with luscious large cherries," he said.
Cantrill Organics has 8000 cherry trees over 15 hectares.
The grant was part of Woolworth's Organic Growth Fund.
Woolworths General Manager of Fruit and Vegetables Paul Turner said the group was keen to push organic products.
"The demand for organic fruit and veg continues to grow at an incredible rate, so the opportunity for Australian growers is enormous," he said.
A new round of grants and interest-free loans for farmers is being offered by the group with applications open until October 11.
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