By Esther Lauaki
A Bacchus Marsh strawberry farm has won a major award for innovation.
Owners of The Strawberry Forest and farm shop the Fruits of Life, Sam and Belinda Dellios, their son Sam and daughter Tanya, won the Farm Gate to Plate category of the Victorian Rural Water Awards this month.
Mr Dellios said a new method of farming strawberries vertically using piping increased production, decreased inputs and reduced waste.
He said growing the plants vertically meant customers of all abilities could pick their own strawberries standing up.
Victorian Rural Water director Clinton Rodda praised the efforts of all the winners and said their innovative practices demonstrated a focus on sustainable use of valuable water resources.
“Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up for their willingness to try new things to create strong businesses with best practice use of their water resources,” Mr Rodda said.
Meanwhile, thousands turned out for the Bacchus Marsh Strawberries and Cherries Festival last weekend.
The free annual event attracts fruit lovers from all over Victoria for strawberry picking, a cherry pip-spitting competition, exploring a strawberry and cherry trail and a variety of other home grown delights.
