Fund helps Tintinara operation improve sustainability

The Coles Nurture Fund is in its 10^th year, established to help Australian growers and suppliers develop market-leading products, technologies, systems and processes.

So far, more than $33 million has been provided to support 100 businesses from across the country since 2015.

Former recipient, Mt Boothby Pastoral, Tintinara, has been supplying pork, lamb and beef to Coles for more than three years.

In 2021, the business was awarded a $340,000 grant as part of the Coles Nurture Fund.

Mt Boothby Pastoral managing director Andrew Johnson said the grant was used to install a solar energy system that helped the business create a more integrated agricultural system to reduce its carbon footprint.

"Our team continuously strives for improvement, with a focus on welfare and doing the right thing, and the grant allowed us to invest in solar energy," he said.

"We are proud to say our complete product system, including feed milling, is all powered off the grid from solar energy.

"I have always strived to create a closed-loop diversified production system, and thanks to the Coles Nurture Fund, we are producing all our own grain and straw on the farm, which reduces transportation emissions and is better for our animals."

A WA orchard, Newton Orchards, Manjimup, received a $250,000 grants to fix permanent netting over one of its flagship orchards to protect it from cockatoo attacks and outdoor elements.

Director Nicole Giblet said the netting has made a huge difference to the business, including the reduction of water used to irrigate the orchards by 30 per cent within one season.

Coles executive general manager - fresh Andy Mossop said he had seen firsthand the incredible impact of the Coles Nurture Fund on small and medium-sized businesses, and encouraged others to apply for the grant ahead of the Friday, February 23 deadline.

"We understand the vital role Aussie growers and suppliers play in providing fresh and quality food to our customers, and through the Coles Nurture Fund, we are not only investing in projects that drive innovation but also ensuring that our partners have the support they need to thrive," he said.

"Strong relationships are the backbone of our supply chain.

"By providing financial support to projects that align with our values, we are not just helping businesses; we are investing in the future of Australian agriculture."

To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate their need for funding in a project that drives innovation and provides outstanding sustainability benefits.

Businesses that generate less than $25 million in annual revenue and employ 50 or fewer full-time employees are encouraged to apply.