Eco-meal champion Kelly Johnson wins 2025 South Australian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award

Founder of the Monarto based agribusiness SPhiker, Ms Johnson turns surplus and second-grade produce, purchased straight from farms, into eco-conscious, shelf-stable meals for the hiking, cycling and sailing markets.

Ms Johnson perfected the art of creating delicious, nutritious ready meals that could be prepared in a matter of minutes and stored without refrigeration during her 15 years as a scout leader.

Fuelled by her love of food and adventure, Ms Johnson launched her first business Woodland Orchard in 2019. She was inspired to make a difference after hearing a friend was throwing away one tonne of dried peaches a year and started selling the produce for him at markets.

Initially the business focused on stone fruit, but as winter approached and more vegetables started rolling in, Ms Johnson decided to take things in a new direction – utilising the surplus goods and seconds to create nutritious, plant-based dehydrated soups, meals, and snacks. And just like that, SPHiker was born.

Ms Johnson was presented her award by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state winner announcement event held at SkyCity Adelaide.

As the South Australian winner, Ms Johnson has won a $15,000 Westpac grant to support her business which she plans to use to invest in specialised equipment to help scale up SPhiker’s operations. The equipment will not only enhance production by reducing cooking times but also allow for the inclusion of new produce and expanded meal offerings, further reducing food waste and supporting more farmers.

Later this year, she will represent South Australia at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra, where the National Winner will receive an additional $20,000 grant and the National Runner-Up, $15,000.