$10m mill now operational

The project has been developed over some time.

Project manager Russell Ford said it was born out of the desire to create a more premium rice product.

“It’s a current initiative that’s been developed by a few farmers trying to really improve rice that’s being grown,” he said.

“We are all looking at an opportunity to provide top-notch, premium products.

“Going back to the growers, they were all really focused that if we could do it, we want to do it properly, looking at the world’s best quality.”

A recent change in legislation meant the farmers could grow, process and sell their own rice.

Traditionally SunRice had exclusive rights to market and sell NSW rice domestically and overseas.

Despite the stand alone facility, Mr Ford said the aim was not to compete with the major rice company.

“The aim in starting this wasn’t to compete with SunRice - it was to premiumise the rice we were producing.

“Also it was a few points on the growing side, using a bit of science, re-introducing regenerative practices as well as the sustainability pieces.”

Ford said those involved weighed up several options in the Southern Riverina for the project.

“We looked at Tocumwal, Finley, Deniliquin - a range of places.

“The big factor in favour of this block at Jerilderie was that it had power, was next to a solar farm and was based on the Newell Highway.

“It means it can act as a conduit between the major capital cities.

“Murrumbidgee Council has been really supportive. While they haven’t put in any funds, and we haven’t needed to receive any money from the government, the council has been really helpful along the journey.”

The new rice mill held a grand opening in late May to recognise the many stakeholders involved in the milestone, at a special time for the rice growers.

“It was an official mark in the ground to note we’ve come this far and to say thank you,” Mr Ford said.

“In particular, a thanks to our growers and it was end of harvest, so it was good timing to celebrate that.”

The previous season’s rice crop was quite successful, but Mr Ford said the next season would be a bit more challenging.

“The one we’ve just completed has been fantastic. We had a particularly warm season which is great, particularly for crops like rice and cotton.

“Next season will likely be a fair bit tougher as water prices are higher, and availability of water is tougher.

“We’ve told our farmers to plant early if they can and it may trickle down, but obviously, with the higher costs, some farmers won’t be able to plant as much.”

Overall, Ford said he was so far very pleased with the project.

“We’ve been really lucky with the build of the sheds, which have been right on time with all our building target times and starting to mill.

“The future might be full on, but it’s good.”

Nice Rice director and chief marketing officer Tom Paton said varieties of rice processed at the mill in Jerilderie are not far away from supermarket shelves for consumers right around Australia, packaged under the brand name ‘Nice Rice’.

“We’re a small agitator business, really trying to look after the Australian rice industry,” he said.

“People might not know we’re sold through Woolworths right throughout Australia.

“And from July we will have products sold through Coles, and nationally through a number of independent retailers.

“People can purchase our product on the supermarket shelves, and it’s a lovely local story that’s just beginning.”