Mt Alma Organics

Angela and Gary Spotswood saw the value and potential in organics nearly a decade ago, and that belief in and commitment to producing fruit and vegetables in the cleanest way possible has only grown stronger in that time. Now, thanks to $500,000 in funding through the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund, the couple is preparing to take their operation up another notch.

The Spotswoods run Mt Alma Organics, a farming business just outside Home Hill in North Queensland. Gary and Angela have been growing vegetables for the past 18 years, but almost 10 years ago they became a certified organic operation and in 2021 started supplying organics zucchinis to Woolworths. That has grown to now include organic green and red capsicums, eggplants and tomatoes.

With the grant they have been awarded though, it’s allowed them to expand into organic watermelons, and invest in automated irrigation for all their produce lines, automated washing equipment, and additional harvesting equipment for the watermelons.

“This grant from Woolworths has meant a huge amount to our business, giving us the confidence to grow and expand faster. It’s not only a win for us though, it’s important for the organic industry as a whole because the more organic produce growers can get into the market, the better that is for consumers, I think, providing them with more choice when they’re doing their shopping,” Gary said.