THERE’S a new way to support your local producers and that’s by using Farmers Bag.
Kate Schreiweis is an entrepreneur who delivers locally sourced produce and products to consumers.
She started Farmers Bag after realising a lot of people were keen to buy local but didn’t have time to drive around.
She resigned from her job with her colleague Donah Bicknell following close behind.
Now both women run the business from a rented premises in Amberley.
Kate decided to launch the business after realising the value in freshly harvested produce and ethically sourced meat.
No freezers, no long-haul travel on road trains – it’s all about supporting producers who live in the same region as the consumers.
“I put boxes together about a year ago, I took orders for local produce and delivered it to people,” she explained of the test run.
“It was then I realised there was a real need for this kind of thing.
“I have spent the past 12 months working through all the logistics.”
Logistics included speaking to local growers, graziers, butchers, bakers and even apiarists.
Kate wants the business to offer as many items on an everyday shopping list as possible.
“I spoke to the local butcher and then people began contacting me asking to be a part of it,” she explained.
“We have Maleny Dairies on board with full cream, lactose free and low fat milk available.
“There’s wholegrain, wholemeal and white bread too.”
Now she’s been busy getting the word out, two vans have been hired, branding finalised and producers have come on board.
“It’s about keeping our locals in business with the benefit of having fresh produce and meat delivered to your door or through click and collect style ordering,” she said.
“We let our butcher know what’s been ordered the day before pick up and that’s packaged with the customer’s name on it.
“We order our fresh produce three days a week to make sure we have plenty here.”
For now areas covered by delivery are Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Esk, Caboolture and Boonah.
Learn more by visiting www.farmersbag.com.au.
