A Queensland potato grower is urging his fellow farmers to consider donating excess produce to people in need.
Mark Fritz, M&J Produce, Bundaberg, along with State Member for Bundaberg Stephen Bennett are behind a push to get more growers to give vegetables and fruit to Foodbank.
Foodbank is an organisation which collects surplus, salvaged and donated food and grocery products from food producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, then distributes them to charities and community groups to disseminate to people.
Mr Fritz grows crisping potatoes for Smith's in Brisbane. Ideal growing conditions will see him fulfil his 4000 tonne quota so he decided to do something positive with the expected surplus.
His donations vary between 2-3 tonnes per week. He has contributed about 20 tonnes to Foodbank since August.
What makes the process more appealing is the fact Foodbank will arrange the transport. The excess potatoes are put directly into Chep bins ready to be picked up by a transporter and carted to Brisbane.
There are environmental and economic benefits to the practice as well according to Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett.
Apart from dealing with nutritional issues in the community and the waste problem, Mr Bennett said pest control is also a possible bonus.
