Kerrod Trott 
In a shock announcement, local organic market gardeners Village Greens of Willunga Creek have announced they will cease trading after ten years in operation.
According to Village Greens spokesperson Nat Wiseman, it’s not a decision they’ve taken lightly.
“After 10 years, we’ve decided to call it a day. Running a small business is never an easy task, and running a small farm business based on the vagaries of nature has its own unique set of challenges,” Nat said.
“We’ve given it our very best, but we’ve hit our limits and we need to stop. While it’s a very sad decision, Jess and I are also looking forward to taking a well-earned break and reflecting on our successes.
“Over the last 10 years, with the help of an amazing crew of talented people, we’ve grown close to $2 million of our own produce from our small 1 acre farm. We’ve also supported over 30 suppliers in the Fleurieu region and beyond, selling over $1.5 million of fresh food from the region and beyond.
“We’ve employed over 30 staff during this time, with $1.2 million in wages going to our hard-working crew who have shown up every day to plant, weed, pick, pack, attend markets and deliver good food to our local community. Over 50,000 orders have been sent out to over 1500 homes across Adelaide, not to mention the many people at the Willunga Farmers Market who supported us while we traded there, and our restaurant chefs, some of whom have supported us from the very beginning.
“We want to extend a special thanks to our past and present staff and volunteers who have kept the farm rolling for all this time: Amber, Aurora, Bea, Brad, Brooklyn, Caitlin, Cam, Raj, Tony, Sam, Dani and the rest of the EcoVillage farm team, Chloe, Claud, Craig, Declan, Ellie, Eloise, Emily, Finley, Harrison, Indi, Jacob, Karri, Kate, Kylie, Laila, Lee, Lif, Lisa, Lou, Lucy, Maddy, Marika, Ollie, Phoebe, Sal, Scarlet and Zan.
“We are so thankful that we got to meet this incredible bunch of humans that put so much love and care into our little farm. We also extend a big thanks to my parents Sue and Dave who have supported us financially throughout the life of the farm, we couldn’t have done it without you. And thanks to our original crowdfunding supporters that got the whole thing going, as well as all the amazing people who have hosted pickup hubs at their homes, bringing Village Greens produce to the wider community.
“We are incredibly grateful for your support over the years, it has meant so much to us. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”
Nat finished by saying “Thanks again for supporting our local, small scale organic farm in Aldinga. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved, from humble beginnings selling out of the farm shed on a Friday arvo, to delivering over 200 orders a week across Adelaide.
“It’s been a truly unique and wonderful experience.”
More info: Village Greens of Willunga Creek: veggie boxes, home-delivered
Key photo: Some of the Village Greens crew
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