Demand for Sunraysia produce a boon for farmers

AMID the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic, Sunraysia farmers have experienced an increased demand for locally grown produce.

And it’s a win not only for consumers, who reap the health benefits, but for farmers, who receive the extra financial support.

Sunraysia Produce manager Dianne Boston reported her best day on record this Wednesday, with sales surging by 150 per cent.

She said since the health crisis’ fears hit residents she had seen an influx of new customers.

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And in the increased sales were not because of panic buyers, but constant weekly purchases.

“It has been crazy, but it has also been calm because that is what we are portraying – a relaxing atmosphere,” Ms Boston said.

“Any panic buyers will not be welcome here and will be shown the door. I won’t allow it.”

Ms Boston has made it her priority to source produce and products within Sunraysia since taking over management of the Benetook Avenue store in October.

This includes grapes, watermelon, peaches, nectarine, beans, zucchini, mango, carrots, pumpkin, garlic, mushroom, blood plums, capsicums, tomato and local soap, dried fruit, honey and salt.

“(The increased demand) is absolutely a good thing for local farmers, as long as the shoppers keep coming back once this is all over,” Ms Boston said.

“We have had new customers coming in, who have been impressed and said they weren’t aware of the stock we had and that they would return next week.

“And that should happen, they should keep coming back — there is absolutely the supply available for demand.

“Not in everything though, well not in toilet paper because I am a fruit and vegetable shop after all.”

Ms Boston said she hoped from the tough times people realised how heavily the country relied on farmers.

She said they were the reason why “fresh and tasty” produce was available all year round.

“It is here, it hasn’t travelled the country and it has been picked today.

“I am refilling the stock daily at the moment, as the growers are more than happy that I am doing so.

“We have to look after our own community and people, as well as visitors to the region.”

Sunraysia Produce also stocks SRS Benetook Farm eggs, however Ms Boston said there were limitations in place of one carton per customer.

She had one message for residents who were feeling the pressure of the virus.

“Shop local, here in Mildura and continue doing so when this all ends.”