The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 110

Let us help clear all this lettuce!

MARGARET DEKKER

Cudgen growers, Farm & Co, have issued a mayday of sorts to its salad-loving community to help clear an unlikely lettuce oversupply. “We are swimming in lettuce!! Make sure to come in this weekend to

pick up your groceries! We have dozens of beautiful organic, freshly picked lettuces only $3 each,” Farm & Co. posted on its social media. Speaking to The Northern Rivers Times, Farm & Co. owner Michele Stephens said with supply high, Farm

& Co. is selling them at pre-2022 prices. “The funny thing is, conventional produce is more expensive now than organic produce,” Michele said. From Cos to Red Frilly, Green Frilly, big-leaf rocket and even a unique ‘speckle’ variety, there’s an abundance of lettuces

to choose from, picked straight from the red soils of the sprawling market garden, with vistas to both mountains and sea. “It’s clean, fresh produce, usually picked that day, not cold stored, but from our paddock to your plate. Even if it’s small, large, medium or

a bit scuffed, there’s such a difference in the eating and in the nutritional value,” Michele said. “The more support local people give, and get to know their local farmers, in turn they keep the money local and the better it is.” Michele explained the farm’s lettuce

oversupply is largely due to the property’s on-farm restaurant, recently leased by local hospitality group, PLB Group (of Osteria, Taverna Kingscliff, Bombay Cricketers Club) is yet to open its farm-doors .. and serve those farm-freshs salads now on offer.