Neil and Tania Richards

What do you currently make/farm/supply?
We grow and supply Citrus Fruits. Everything from Oranges, Mandarins, Lemons, Grapefruit, Lemonade fruit and Blood Oranges. We also make juice, jams and sauces out of our citrus fruits along with some other delicious things for our cafe at Gaynda's Big Orange which my wife Tania looks after for the most part.

How did you get into it?
Have been a farm worker and fruit picker for many years. Was fruit picking in Gayndah when I found out the Big Orange was up for sale and decided to finally buy a farm of own. 

What do you enjoy about your work?
Being in control of the way the fruit is produced. We not only grow our citrus organically but ethically too.

Why is organic/chemical-free food important to you?
Health! For my own, my families and the others who will be enjoying our produce. We will all benefit from the health benefits that organically grown produce offfers.

What challenges has this created for you and how do you overcome them naturally?
Growing our citrus organically means there is extra work and constant monitoring of traps and the like as we don't have the chemicals to keep any pests like the fruit fly away.

What’s your favourite meal?
Stir Fry