A young businesswoman with a passion for fresh produce, South Australia's Chelsea Eldridge was crowned Young Organic Leader at the Australian Organic Industry Awards last week.
Working as a business support manager for family business Eldridge Fresh Organics at Sunnyside, north of Murray Bridge, Ms Eldridge contributes to a wide variety of tasks from planting to payroll and administration.
The business supplies supermarkets and wholesalers with a huge range of organic certified vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, zucchinis, capsicum, chilli and eggplant, which are distributed across Australia and overseas.
Established in 1997 and currently employing about 30 staff, the business grows vegetables outdoors, and in polytunnels and glasshouses and packs its own produce on-site.
To guarantee organic standards, it holds the Australian Certified Organic Standard certification, one of the most rigorous standards for organic production.
Ms Eldridge said she was humbled to receive the recognition of Young Organic Leader and wants to keep seeing the business thriving and providing fresh produce to people across the country.
"It's exciting to be part of a family business that is a real sector leader when it comes to growing premium organic produce, and I hope this award inspires women of all ages to consider a career in the agriculture sector," she said.
"Working in the family business and contributing to a growing industry continues to be a dream come true for me.
"My dad Shane has been an outstanding mentor and has always been there with practical advice, enabling me to proactively focus on the future growth and success of the business."
Shane, Eldridge Fresh Organics' executive director, was a finalist in the Farmer of the Year Award category in recognition of his efforts to integrate innovative and sustainable farming practices.
He was also named SA grower of the year at the Premier's Horticulture Awards for Excellence last year.
