VANESSA HALL
EDITOR
COOLUM-based Good Harvest Organic Farm recently celebrated their tenth birthday which is no small feat in the world of business these days.
Despite a few setbacks such as a fire in the early days at their shop front in Marcoola and the ravages of COVID, Good Harvest has managed to prosper and now has a huge warehouse operation in Coolum’s Quanda Industrial Estate.
As the company celebrates this milestone birthday they are proud to reflect on its significant achievements which include reaching 250,000 plus customers via home delivery boxes and weekend markets over 10 years, significantly reducing food transit distances, and promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
Managing Director Ryan Nicholson said it’s a big deal for a small business to celebrate a tenth birthday and that the business had evolved over the years.
“Mick and Kelly started the business and had the retail shop at Marcoola and are still involved with the Good Harvest Farm at Woombye.
“We bring produce in from the farm, which is grown seasonally, and we have partnerships as well with key farmers in the area too… our mission really is to shorten the food chain and to keep it organic.”
Good Harvest Organic Farm deliver over 300 boxes a week across the Sunshine Coast as well as sell at four farmers markets such as Noosa and Marcoola.
“We have a community of people who subscribe to our boxes, and they are delivered either weekly or fortnightly,” Ryan said.
They have also partnered with food rescue charity OzHarvest who are also based in the Quanda Industrial Estate and the partnership ensures that unsold market produce is utilised to nourish those less fortunate instead of going to waste.
Michele Lipner from OzHarvest said that the farm has been a good friend of the rescue organisation.
“For almost a decade they have donated over 4,500 kg of surplus quality food to us which is the equivalent of about 9,000 meals to local community members in need.
“We are both strong advocates for supporting local farmers, buying local and helping our environment by reducing the amount of quality food that might otherwise find its way to landfill.”
Selling locally and hearing that all important feedback from customers is also important with Good Harvest a welcome addition at the Marcoola Farmer’s Market with market CEO Michael Bryant stating they are one of the familiar staples at the market.
“They are a valuable part of our community, which is always looking for options to live healthier, greener lives. Being able to trust produce is certified organic and free from chemical sprays is important to more and more people these days.”
Ryan stated that it was not just organic that was important to their customers, it was also about much more.
“People tell us chemical-free is important but being organic really is the tip of the iceberg… it’s also a philosophy which also includes regenerating the land and trying to treat it with respect, closing the food chain, buying local and not seeing waste.”
And where possible, Good Harvest is buying local.
“We can go direct to a farmer, and they can get a better price than selling to a wholesaler and we can get a better price than going through a wholesaler too – it really is a win-win, and we are also shortening that food chain with each step.”
And of course, business does not prosper without customers.
“Our tenth anniversary is not just an exciting milestone for Good Harvest, but more importantly it is our chance to say a big “thank you” to all of our loyal customers, partners, and the farmers we work with.”
Good Harvest’s tenth birthday this September also coincides with Australian Organic Awareness Month which is all about raising awareness around certified organic agriculture and healthy living.
For more information on Good Harvest Organic Farm please visit www.goodharvest.com.au
Is organic important to you? Let us know by sending a letter to the editor at editor@coolumadvertiser.com.au