Martin Lee from Milton Farm Shop, organic vegetable grower Tim Cooper along with Josh Hayward and Wade Everingham from Spotted Gum Farm, were this year’s lucky recipients and will share in a total grant pool of $5000. 

Slow Food Shoalhaven leader Rosie Cupitt said the organisation awards the money to support small producers whose philosophies align with their philosophy of good, clean and fair. 

“We’re very happy to be able to reward the hard work of these sustainable producers with funding towards growing their businesses” Mrs Cupitt said. 

“Our local, small scale growers and producers are of crucial importance to the creation of a better local food community.

“I’m proud that our fundraising activities can feed directly back to our local community through these grants”.

Milton Farm Shop will receive funds to improve storage capacity and produce displays in store. 

“We were highly impressed with Martin's enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the principles of Slow Food,” the judging panel said. 

“Along with his innovative ways and ideas of improving his soil and production at the farm.

“The committee also repeatedly heard of the value of Martin's shop as an outlet and as a vital part of the distribution chain for other growers/producers to bring their high quality local food to the public.”

Tim will receive funds towards the purchase of a more efficient, less water intensive and durable irrigation system at his Wandandian farm. 

The committee said they were impressed with Tim's enthusiasm, energy and commitment to producing high quality vegetables for the region.

“We feel that the lack of a more durable irrigation system is a constraint to his plans to provide consistent high quality produce and further expanding his business,” the panel said.

Tim was also a recipient of last year’s grant and the committee said they were pleased to see “significant improvements to his vegetable plot since their last visit to his farm 12 months ago.” 

Spotted Gum Farm at Wandandian applied for funds for the purchase and installation of a polytunnel to manage their vegetable supply more consistently, extend their growing season and protect from pests.  

The committee said they were impressed by the duo’s enthusiasm and commitment to implementing the principles of Slow Food in the production of high quality, locally grown vegetables.

“We also recognised their efforts in educating people on the principles of composting and low impact agriculture,” the panel said. 

“We were impressed by their thorough research for the most cost effective tunnel to achieve their goals.”

The grants are now in their third year and Shoalhaven Slow Foods do not receive any government funding towards the program.

The grants are achieved through fundraising and membership donations. 

“We’re really proud we could give out the Shoalhaven Producer’s Grant again this year,” member Marianne Cool said. 

“It’s $5000 towards small scale producers in Shoalhaven to help them with their business.

“That’s $15,000 Slow Food Shoalhaven has been able to feed back into our community, towards better food.” 

The total grant money will be divided 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.