Abbotsleigh Citrus is supporting the next generation of local farmers, donating proceeds from the Taste Bundaberg Farmers Markets to Gin Gin State High School’s agricultural department.
When invited to attend the markets, Abbotsleigh Farm Manager Craig Estens said the local farming team thought it would be a great chance to sell direct to their customers while also having supporting the community.
“We decided that this would be a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful fruit locally, as most of our product is sold through larger retailers and wholesale markets,” Craig said.
“We thought we would donate the proceeds back to the community in some way.”
Craig said they were committed to supporting the local community and giving back wherever possible.
“We were aware Gin Gin High School have an agricultural program and we wanted to support the next generation of farmers by helping contribute towards this,” he said.
“We value the connection we have with our local community and try to support the local schools, businesses and sporting teams where we can.
“Some of our employees attended this school or have children that attend and we also have high school students work at Abbotsleigh during the school holidays and weekends.”
Craig said the team at Abbotsleigh believed it was important to provide the next generation a pathway into food and farming.
“We feel it is important that the next generation gain an understanding of where food and fibre comes from and to expose them to opportunities that may exist within the agricultural sector,” he said.
“By giving them a connection to agriculture at a grass roots level, this will help ensure we have future generations of farmers, passionate about agriculture.”
Gin Gin State High School Principal Paul Stebhens said the donation from Abbotsleigh Citrus would assist the school to continue to grow its agricultural department.
“The school has just completed installation of an irrigation system bringing water from the nearby channel into the school,” Paul said.
“The next phase is the purchase of a permanent water allocation which will then be used to irrigate the orchard and small crop gardens.
“The money raised will offset the school contribution to this purchase.”
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