Inmates are delicately preening, picking and packing cherry tomatoes while doing time in NSW prisons.
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About 100 inmates from Grafton Correctional Centre in northern NSW have already grown about 600 kilograms of cherry tomatoes in the six months since the prison program was established late last year.
The flourishing cherry tomato plants will eventually supply the state's 13,200 prisoners who reportedly chomp through about 500kg each day.
Correctional Services Industries spokesman Ben Preston says the program keeps inmates busy while also teaching them job-ready skills, with some doing horticulture and nursery courses through TAFE.
"We (also) thought it would be a great way to reduce costs and increase self-sufficiency by supplying our own inmates and others across the state," Mr Fischer said in a statement on Friday.
It is a sentiment echoed by Education Services Co-ordinator Bernie Francis, who says many inmates do not have an employment history.
"This program assists them with learning the behaviours necessary for post-release employment," Mr Francis said.
The program is also forming partnerships with local blueberry, cucumber, and lettuce farmers as demand for Australian produce increases from China.
Australian Associated Press