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Grant goes to seedless watermelon supplier

19 October 2011

A Waikerie-based fruit and vegetable supplier is being awarded close to half a million dollars in State Government funding to help it produce and market a range of seedless watermelons known as “Red Armada”.

Regional Development Minister Gail Gago says a grant of up to $499,514 from the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund is being awarded to Red Earth Farms.

“While the company has only been operating for two years, the owners have forty years experience in the fruit and vegetable industry,” the Minister said.

“This funding will help make Red Earth Farms the only consistent supplier of seedless watermelons in South Australia.

“Just as importantly, the project will help diversify food production in the region and further showcase the Riverland as a national leader in innovative fresh produce.

“The grant money will help establish infrastructure and equipment to produce, process, pack and market the seedless ‘Red Armada’ watermelons.”

A spokesman for Red Earth Farms said the project involves construction of a dam and irrigation system.

“The construction of a 20 mega litre dam and water feed system will irrigate 80 hectares, which we anticipate will produce about 5,000 tonnes of the seedless watermelons,” the spokesman said.

“While we expect the project will create a number of additional new jobs, it will also generate development opportunities for our current staff.

“Once the infrastructure is in place and operational, we anticipate a 60 per cent increase in production through exports to national retail and wholesale fruit markets.”

The $1.07 million project is due for completion in August 2012.

Ms Gago said the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund was established to assist with industry restructuring and to promote sustainable economic and social development in the Riverland and this project is an example of the quality proposals that this fund will support.

“The $20 million Fund is accessible by industry and businesses to fund projects that improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing businesses,” the Minister said.

Grants are available for up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. For more information on the Fund visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/regions/programs/rsff