News

Rocky three free

By Geoff Adams

Feb 12, 2023

Farewell: Retiring orchardist Rocky Varapodio (centre) with son Joe and wife Carolyn at the workplace farewell on Friday.

The head of the Varapodio fruit growing family, Rocky Varapodio, has retired from the Ardmona-based business, ending three generations of family involvement.

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Mr Varapodio, 60, told staff at a farewell on Friday, it was time to put his feet up and take life a little easier.

He was treated to the surprise event, attended by about 70 people, some of whom had worked for him for more than 40 years.

The Varapodio family business was merged with three other horticulture businesses in 2021 to create Pomono Valley, which is funded by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and managed by its Australian agriculture arm, AustOn Corporation.

The four businesses include Oakmoor Orchards, run by Rocky Varapodio, Turnbull Brothers Orchards, run by Chris and Alex Turnbull, Chatswood Farm, run by Peter and Shane Hall, and Pickworth Orchards, run by Stuart Pickworth.

Mr Varapodio’s departure does feel like another wave farewell from the family enterprises in our region, particularly in the agricultural sector, as larger corporations gain an increasingly greater presence.