Butler Market Gardens
Heatherton, VIC
Long-term supplier to increase organic vegetable production
Sixth-generation vegetable farmer, Rick Butler, has been supplying Woolworths with vegetables and herbs since 1974. The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund interest free loan of $500,000 will enable the family to increase production capability to support the Butler Market Gardens’ organics expansion program and fast-track growth and support the increased demand for organic vegetables.
Rick purchased the farming business from his parents in 2015. After transitioning some ground from non-organic to organic, broccoli, zucchini and celery were chosen as the key organic ranges.
The funding will be used to expand the organic production capability by installing and upgrading irrigation which will see Butler Market Gardens double their organic production and use water more efficiently.
The Butler family is looking forward to celebrating their 50-year partnership with Woolworths in a few years’ time.
“We are coming up to our 50th anniversary of supplying to Woolworths, which is exciting for us. The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund loan is a critical piece in the journey of the organics program ensuring increased business growth and further strengthening our relationship with Woolworths and vice versa,” Rick said.