Australian vegetable and herb grower, Butler Market Gardens’ (BMG), expansion into organics with Murray Valley Organics (MVO) is on the right track after achieving certification.
The owners of the two companies, Rick Butler (BMG) and Adam Farley (MVO), had been friends for 20 years but partnered their businesses in the winter and spring of 2018.
MVO, is a 40ha certified organic farm situated in Wood Wood, Victoria. It received certification in the summer months of 2018/19 and is now certified to grow up to 20 different products.
During the organic conversion period spring onions, herbs and Chinese broccoli were grown. After obtaining full organic certification, the hotter months saw a very successful period where organic zucchini were grown and sold to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane markets.
Now in the cooler months, organic broccoli and herbs are proving to be very popular but Adam Farley said the farm can meet a range of demands.
“We are open to growing a number of different products, and know we need to be flexible to the demands and trends of the industry,” Farley explained.
To integrate the organic produce into its business BMG’s base in Heatherton, Victoria was upgraded to include a new certified prganic packing room and Rick Butler is excited to expand BMG’s offering.
“We are very pleased to be working with Adam. The ever-increasing demand for organic produce overseas, and now in Australia, is something which cannot be ignored,” Butler said.
“We know consumers are placing more and more emphasis on health, provenance and what is in the product they are consuming.”
