Produce tree keeps bearing fruit

THE roots of the Portarlington Produce Tree (PPT) are a group of volunteers who banded together last summer to create a place to share excess homegrown produce.

Co-founder Michelle Wilson said alongside the PPT, the Grow Free and Food Swaps Bellarine were introduced and is open every day during daylight hours for anyone to drop off or take produce, herbs, plants and seeds.

“We are a part of the Grow Free movement and advocate that everyone can take what they need and give what they can, so no monetary value is placed on the goods,” Ms Wilson said.

“Produce swaps are currently held every Saturday from 9am to 10.30am (weather permitting) for locals to bring their homegrown produce, and items that are not able to be left at the Produce Tree at other times such as eggs, chutneys, jams, and home baking.

“The swaps are very social with 10-20 people at every swap coming from all over the Bellarine, and even holiday-makers from Melbourne, enjoying a morning tea while they chat.”

The project is also based on sustainability, so people are encouraged to bring their own reusable cup and avoid plastics as much as possible.

“Gardening advice is often sought and exchanged as well as tips about local interest groups that people can join and recipes for using the produce,” Ms Wilson said.

“We are expanding and in response to feedback from our community, have recently added a Seed Library and started harvesting from local backyard orchards.

“The produce from the backyard orchards is shared between the tree owner, the Produce Tree and local charities. We use the phrase ‘Don’t let it drop and rot, pick it for the Produce Tree!’.

“We welcome people to join our volunteers, come to a swap, or to the Produce Tree and be part of this project.”

The Portarlington Produce Tree is located at the rear of the Portarlington Neighbourhood House, the group can be contacted via [email protected] or on Facebook @portproducetree