SA potato farmer Joe Ridenti fears crippling fine over exceeded Gawler River water entitlement

The third generation grower says he is worried he could be forced to sell land or lay off workers as he confronts a crisis unlike anything he’s battled in decades.

Joe Ridenti at his Buchfelde farm. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A Gawler farmer says he could be forced to sell land and lay off workers after exceeding his water entitlement and fearing a potential $800,000 fine – despite not receiving any help from the state government’s drought-assistance package.

Joe Ridenti, 47, farms 103ha of potatoes and onions across two properties at Kangaroo Flat and Buchfelde, near Gawler.

He says he has had to use more water than normal from the Gawler River due the dire conditions.

“I’ve never been in this situation before,” Mr Ridenti said.

“We can’t just stop using the water. We need to finish the planting, and so we’ve gone quite a bit over.”

Mr Ridenti – a third-generation grower – estimates he exceeded his water allocation by 40 kilolitres, which could result in penalties of up to $800,000 – around $20,000 per kilolitre. “If we do get this fine that we’re estimating, then it’s going to hit us pretty hard,” he said.

He has two properties at Kangaroo Flat and Buchfelde. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“We’re just asking them to consider that it’s been a hard year for farmers and not penalise us with a fine.”

Mr Ridenti, who co-owns Ridenti Farms with brother Sid, said the business – which employs 10 full-time and up to 20 seasonal workers – may have to scale back or sell land if a severe fine is imposed.

“For the past few years, we’ve decreased the number of crops grown, and this year our yields are probably down 40 per cent,” he said.

“Electricity prices have doubled, too … it’s a real kick in the gut.”

The Department for Environment and Water confirmed no penalties or warnings for water overuse had been issued so far this financial year.

Joe Ridenti says without watering he can't produce. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Joe fears the worst if he’s fined. Picture: Brett Hartwig

In a statement, a spokesman said “administrative penalties” were a longstanding deterrent for illegal water use, and were applied consistently across the state.

“South Australia has had administrative penalties in place as a mandatory response to unlawful and unauthorised water use since 2006,” the spokesman said.

Mr Ridenti said he met with the department “months ago” about the water consumption but no agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, he confirmed he was seeking legal advice on the matter and had been closely monitoring water use, photographing the meter daily.

Mr Ridenti said the stress has begun to affect his mental health, and he worried for the long-term future of the farm.

“It’s affecting me mentally, too,” he said.

“At night, I’m struggling to go to sleep.”

Mr Ridenti said that he eventually hoped to pass the business on to his 19-year-old son, Joseph, who would represent the fourth generation of family to work the land.

As Gawler’s only onion grower, Mr Ridenti warned that the drought and looming penalty could have flow-on effects for the broader community in terms of supply