News

In the wake of the devastating Cudlee Creek fires, Pick a Local Pick SA! is calling on all South Australians to support Adelaide Hills growers through the launch of a fundraising appeal.

The South Australian Produce Market has kicked off the appeal with the first donation of $20,000 that will go directly to horticulture growers in the Adelaide Hills that have had crops affected by the recent bush fires.

As local growers assess the damage, every South Australian has an opportunity to support the industry by donating to the Adelaide Hills growers appeal and through purchasing fresh produce at local independent retailers.

Pick a Local Pick SA! Campaign Manager Penny Reidy said, “Such a simple act of buying a punnet of locally grown strawberries, a kilogram of local cherries or a bowl of Adelaide Hills apples will help the growers through this hardship.”

There will be a good level of local produce supply, despite the damage caused by the fires, there is an opportunity to support local growers through the sale of what they have produced and picked to enable them to continue through the uncertain period.

Apple & Pear Growers and Cherry Growers Associations CEO, Susie Green, said “The fires were a devastating blow for a number of growers and it will take a very long time for them to recover, going without an income for up to five years.”

Adelaide Hills growers have already had two very tough years with hailstorms impacting crops and the fires adding to the devastation.

“Some of our finest produce is grown in the Adelaide Hills and we trust that South Australians can get behind this campaign to help the growers get back on their feet.” Susie Said.

Donation tins are being placed at registers of some 70 Pick a Local Pick SA retailers across the State who will take donations to support the Adelaide Hills horticulture industry recovery.

Drakes Supermarkets will be donating a portion of Adelaide Hills produce sales to the appeal and Foodbank SA are providing the option for online donations through their website’s donation page.

Angelo Demasi, CEO of the South Australian Produce Market, said “The greatest support South Australians can give our industry is to buy local. The SA Produce Market, and the Directors, are delighted to kick start the appeal with a $20,000 donation and hope many South Australians will also donate at the register whilst buying locally grown produce from their independent fruit and vegetable retailer.”

South Australians are encouraged to look for a local retailer displaying the Pick a Local Pick SA! sign to know they are providing support to South Australian growers, wholesalers and retailers.

Online donations can be made via the Foodbank SA website https://www.foodbank.org.au/support-us/make-a-donation/donate-funds/?state=sa and selecting ADL Hills Horticulture Appeal from the drop down menu of appeals.