The region’s biggest investment moves over the past two years include:
- A Canadian pension fund buying an interest in four family-run orchards totalling 500 ha, west of Shepparton, starting from July 1, 2021. The orchards sold for an undisclosed figure, running into millions of dollars.
- goFARM starting work on the region’s largest almond orchard at Katunga, which is part of a 7000 ha acquisition of three main areas.
- Kilter Rural acquiring eight properties in the Girgarre district, extending its 12,000 ha portfolio in northern Victoria.
- Private equity firm ROC Partners buying a controlling interest in the Murray River Land Trust Portfolio, which includes more than 10,000 ha of farmland owned or managed in northern Victoria and the southern Riverina.
- Perth-based investor Primewest paying $15 million for a 50 ha orchard in Old Dookie Rd, Shepparton.
- Giant international company C K Life Sciences buying out the SEEKA company’s ownership of the Bunbartha kiwi fruit orchard in a multi-million dollar deal.
- US investment company Agriculture Capital starting development of a 430 ha citrus orchard at Barooga with 300,000 trees. Their subsidiary AC Foods has plans for further expansion of orchard holdings and packing capabilities. AC Foods general manager Andrew Mann is based in Shepparton.