Grower thrilled with record crop

By Callan Date
GREEN, white and even purple asparagus spears are shooting up out of the rich soil at near record levels around the wellknown growing areas of Cardinia.
That call has come from seasoned asparagus farmer and Motta Produce owner Charlie Motta, who has been growing the produce in Koo Wee Rup for over 30 years.
Mr Motta and several other local growers are also gearing up for the fourth annual Celebrate Asparagus Festival at the Cardinia Ranges Farmers’ Market next month.
The numbers are currently adding up to a bumper 2006 crop for growers in the region, which produces about 90 per cent of Australia’s asparagus.
“It’s been a bit too good so far and we are well ahead of schedule,” Mr Motta said.
But like nearly every farmer, Mr Motta was quick to point out that they could still do with some rain.
“Could you organise some rain?” he said with a laugh.
Mr Motta said several of the Japanese clients his company exports to were not ready to receive their asparagus at the beginning of the season.
“They have started to get in shape now though.”
He said he hoped to keep operations going on his farm until the first week in December if everything continues to go to plan.
However, before the season comes to a close local growers are hoping the festival will make more people aware of the wonders of asparagus.
Australian Asparagus Council president Con Raffa said the festival was an ideal way for growers to demonstrate the wide range of ways asparagus can be prepared for the dinner table.
“Although it is a very busy time of year the growers love attending the festival because it is a rare opportunity for them to actually meet their customers and discuss how asparagus is grown,” Mr Raffa said.
“Over the years we have come to understand that having the growers at the festival, talking to the customer, encourages people to try different things like white or even purple asparagus,” he said.
Another highlight of the day will be the asparagus bunching competition, which was such a hit among patrons at last year’s festival.
“The idea behind the bunching competition is to give participants a taste of what is involved in preparing asparagus, including the strict requirements for domestic and export sales,” Mr Raffa said.
The Celebrate Asparagus Festival will be held on Saturday, 14 October, from 8am to noon at the Pakenham Racecourse.
For further information visit www.asparagus.com.au.