Tons of tomatoes picked

About 500 pickers of all ages flocked to O’Brien’s Farm in Lockington, one of Kagome’s farming areas, accounting for 88ha of their 1740ha crop.

For $10, visitors could pick as many tomatoes as they liked, filling boxes, tubs and bags with the fresh produce.

An estimated 8000kg, or 8 tonnes, of tomatoes were picked.

Kagome general manager of field operations Chris Taylor said the initiative raised $4114 this year, matched by Kagome to total $8228.

This is third highest total raised in the 10 years of pick-a-box.

“It surprised me to see so many people, being out at Locky this year,” he said.

“It was lovely weather, prime tomato picking weather.”

The tomato harvesting season began in late January, and will finish up in early April.

Mr Taylor recognised the help of the Kagome team and the community’s involvement on the day, along with the deserving recipient of funding in Echuca Regional Health.

“Thank you to the employees who donated their time,” he said.

“It was great to see the kids and families, and the 70 cars all lined up.

“Thank you to the ERH team for always taking care of the community.”

Next year the event will move back to Parncutt's Farm in Echuca West, where Mr Taylor hopes to break the $5000 mark.