Christmas has come early for three small scale Shoalhaven producers that have been Slow Food Shoalhaven Grows grants.
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Poultry producer Erin Clare of Yatte Yattah and mushroom grower Marita Smith of Milton were among the winners chosen from 12 applicants.
They will share in a total prize pool of $5000 with Caleb and Meagan Graham of Maple Ridge Farms, Falls Creek.
Erin will receive funds to extend her existing egg production and to process meat birds after obtaining the appropriate license at Green Girls Poultry.
Marita will receive funds to purchase a dehydrator to enable part of her existing fresh mushroom crop to be dried and sold to a wider market, while Caleb will increase the size and scope of his dairy goat business to venture into the fresh milk market.
Slow Food Shoalhaven leader Rosie Cupitt said the organisation supports local community activities that are in line with the Slow Food philosophy of Good, Clean and Fair.
“This new grant will definitely contribute to the creation of a better food system in our region,” she said.
“We are so pleased to be able to award these hard working young producers with some funding to achieve their dreams of becoming an even better local grower or producer.”
Erin said the opportunity was a “game changer” for her.
“I am a hard worker, and am desperate to find out the potential of my small business,” she said.
“Setting up a business is costly, and I have spent my time and money on what I can afford.
“To receive part of this grant enables me to start producing larger numbers of eggs and meat much sooner than I anticipated.”
Marita believes everyone “deserves direct access to nutritious, fresh produce”.
“With this grant I can broaden my product range and become more skilled in food preservation and reduce food waste at the same time,” she added.
“Ideally, I’d love to see each community operate around the hub of a weekly farmer’s market that encourages primary production as a viable career path.”
Caleb said grant will allow him to complement the region’s current food culture by providing fresh, local, premium goats’ milk that was not available before.
“It’s great that I can add that diversity to our food system.”
The total prize pool of $5000 will be allocated according to specific capital acquisitions stated by the applicants.
Selection criteria mirrored the efforts of becoming a better local grower or producer and working in line with Slow Food’s philosophy.
Preference was given to applications that added volume or diversity of market to existing small businesses.
