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QUARTERDECK CITRUS FARM, Northern NSW
The Lattanzi Organic Farm Cudgera…Northern NSW
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Citrus Farmer Phil & Denise from @ Northey St City Farm Brisbane Every Sunday
QUARTERDECK CITRUS FARM, Northern NSW
We purchased our property in Dec 1995 as an existing citrus farming very poor health. We were aided by the previous owner who gave us spray systems and programs. The farm was very young and only had a minor level of production at the time.
After 2 years of following his spray program we found that the fruit was more marked and therefore unsaleable in the conventional (chemical) market. We engaged entomologists who advised us on the correct and softer “sprays” that we could use to control the pests & diseases. Fortunately these entomologists worked on ORGANIC principles and introduced good systems of integrated pest management (IPM). This meant that we where introducing the natural predators for the insects that were causing damage to our fruit.
Within 6 months we were able to see a dramatic improvement in the quality of our fruit. It was at this time that we approached the traditional markets with the intent to sell, through the Brisbane Wholesalers. The best price offered for our fruit was $2.50 per 20kg box! (which isnt good when the box it was packed in cost $2.40).
We had heard of Organics and approached the ONLY organic wholesaler at the time and after sampling our fruit he offered us $27 a box, he then asked us for our ORGANIC CERTIFICATION NUMBER. (an identification number that prooves you have not sprayed your produce or farm with synthetic chemicals of any kind).
When he found out we didn’t have one, he sent us away in disgust saying “come back when you are certified!”.
We went away and chased up all the details from our local certifying body (Australian certified organic ACO) and returned to the market the following year with a CERTIFIED in Conversion Number. (meaning you can sell your produce as organic until full certification is approved, this now takes 4 years in total, inclusive of your 4th year being “in conversion”).
Q by Kym..: WHY does it take so long to become CERTIFIED ORGANIC? So you, the customer has absolute assurance that there is no contamination of synthetic pesticides, fungicides or herbicides on the food or farm. Spot audits annually keep the farmers true to their word, if this code is broken it is punishable by law and the farmer can go to jail!
Once “In Conversion”
The wholesaler gave us the $27 as promised and took everything we could produce. So in truth our conversion to organics was out of financial nessecity.
Since then our skills as organic farmers have greatly developed to a point where we now have 5 share farms and are still to this day unable to supply large wholesalers because of our significant Organic Farmers Market, customer base.
Our fruit is very popular due to its high brick level (measures nutrient sugar content).
We sell directly with our clients base and as such give 100% money back gtee.
To enable us to maintain our regular customer base at Organic Farmers Markets through out the year we have sourced a similar organic grower in Victoria who is able to supply us with Valencia oranges when our fruit is out of season.
NB: Citus fruit are in full season when we need them most….AUTUMN/WINTER, the fruit is rich in Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, VitC, A, E, B5, Folic Acid, Potassium,Sodium,Iron,copper,Manganese & Zinc, vital for your bodies immune health.
Come see us at NORTHEY ST CITY FARM BRISBANE every Sunday morning from 6am-11am.
QUARTERDECK CITRUS FARM, Northern NSW
Phil & Denise BUCK
02 6677 1421
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
LOCAL* ORGANIC* NOURISHING..
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Banana Farmer Tony & Robin Lattanzi @ Miami Markets Gold Coast Every Sunday
The Lattanzi Organic Farm Cudgera…Northern NSW
Passionfruit
We specialise in growing organic bananas on a certified organic farm in the Tweed Coast Hinterland.
Our farm has been fully certified organic for 13 years with a variety of tree crops passionfruit and small crops.
The more variety we have on our property the more opportunities we provide for a wider array of animal & human species that benefit.
We know that our organic farming systems operate much more efficently and effectively when no one species is able to dominate to the detriment of others.
By increasing diversity we lessen the potential for to imbalance.
The main difference in organic farming compared to NON organic (conventional) is the growing systems used when producing produce..
Organic farming maintains a balance of productivity with very low impact on the environment, thus preserving he ecology quality of the landfor future use. Conventional farming is totally synthetic chemical reliant whilst organic farming is a truly sustainable system with minimal inputs (usage of unatural chemicals) .
Rohan in young bananas
Healthy soil produces healthy plants which produces nutritious food containing less of the things you dont need, and abundance of the things you do need in your diet.
We are very passionate about organic farming and hope that this brief story creates some interest in your choice to buy local, sustainable, seasonal food, grown without the use of synthetic chemicals EVER!
We believe on nourishing the body with beautiful food that is grown in a loving and nurtured environment. The proof is really in the taste!
Yours Truly
Tony Robin & Family
02 6676 4264
This is a quote from TONY followed by my summing up..:
“When we were Chemical Farming, we were at risk of DYING…”
KYM: The farmers and their families, who still chemical farming today are being poisoned by their profession and are in the 1000s. (see website: beyondblue.org.au, quotes that 1 farmer every four days commits suicide). WHAT THE? We just cant let this keep happening and have to take back control of our food supplies…Vote with our wallets!
We have to make a stand, demand the best food on the planet, support our Certified Organic Farmers today…
Because you and your family are WORTH IT!
Bananas
Lychees growing with Bananas
Basil with passionfruit in background
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TROPO — the Tweed Richmond Organic Producers Organisation
The TROPO story so far…
TROPO, the Tweed Richmond Organic Producers Organisation, was established in 1989 as a grassroots local action group dedicated to fostering organic agriculture and gardening on the New South Wales North Coast. (For those far away, this is on Australia’s eastern seabord, in a subtopical region.)
Since then membership has grown to over 150 and includes commercial organic producers, part-time farmers, home gardeners, conventional farmers considering converting to organic methods, and many others with an interest in supporting the kind of agriculture that does not poison people or the environment.
TROPO activities include meetings and field days covering practical organic farming and gardening techniques and looking at wider issues in sustainable agriculture.
Annual membership costs only $28 and includes meetings and field days, as well as access to TROPO contact people who have hands-on experience in growing specific crops, and a networking list which helps members get in touch with others.
You also get four free issues of the TROPO magazine Going Organic mailed directly to your address (within Australia). Going Organic keeps you in touch with what’s going on, provides a forum for all members to express their views, and contains down-to-earth practical information for farmers and gardeners.
In the struggle for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable world, your views count, and TROPO helps make your voice heard. As a group TROPO members provide input to a number of influential institutions including NSW Agriculture, organic certification groups like NASAA and BFA, plus produce wholesalers and retailers.
Visit TROPO here www.tropo.org.au
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Narelle Chenery Owner & Creator of World First Certified Organic Cosmetics – Miessence
Owner and creator of World First Certified Organic (to Food Standards, the strictist standards in the World) Narelle Chenery is the creator of Miessence, she travels the world, shes an educator and activist for social and consumer change. She is a leader in her field of experise and meets with business leaders,entreprenuers, cosmetics industry professionals and government bodies. Mother of three, has also written many articles for women’s & health magazines.
Narelle is passionate about empowering and educating consumers on how to avoid harmful chemicals in their products.
Education is the key, if we know how to see through the green wash, we can, choose to avoid toxins.
We as consumers are incredibly powerful, we just need to own it! Most of the Multi Billion dollar cosmetic industry turnover supports the use of toxic chemicals.
If we tell those chemical peddlers we will no longer put up with the toxins they put into our bodies and the environment (by refusing to buy them) they will have no choice but to make the changes we wish to see.
BUY ONLINE AND SAVE at www.organicbeauty.com.au
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David Forrest from OrganicForest.com
ORGANICFORREST is a family company located in the hinterlands of Byron Bay, Australia. We’ve been farming organically for over 25 years, supplying local and city markets with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, macadamia nuts and coffee.
Our farming methods are sustainable and conducted with total respect for the environment. In our years of growing food in a mixed rainforest system, the ex dairy property has been transformed into a lush, fertile farm and haven for native flora and fauna.
Our four children are all involved with the business and take part in planting, harvesting, processing, distribution and marketing.
Recently we have developed a range of products made entirely from certified organic ingredients that we think you might enjoy.
Only the best quality ingredients are used, most of them harvested by our family or otherwise purchased from certified organic sources.
Our farm has been certified organic, by the Biological Farmers Association Australian Certified Organic (certification number 2346A)
Visit Organic Forrest here http://www.organicforrest.com
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Alisdair Smithson of munchcrunchorganics.com.au
About Munch Crunch Organics – Our Farm
A Setting for Byron Bay Organics
Set in the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland we are based at ReGenesis Farm, Myocum and are fortunate enough to grow in mineral rich volcanic soils. The sub-tropical climate means a long growing season and we can grow some crops all year round.
The farm is annually inspected & certified by Australian Certified Organic (ACO) & has been certified organic since 2003.
Variety of Organic Fruit and Veg
We grow over 25 different types of vegetables on our farm but we also use produce from other certified organic farms to deliver to you. By building our relationships with other organic farmers we can share machinery, labour and our knowledge of organic growing. By working together we are able to grow a wider range of organic fruit and vegetables to keep your boxes of produce interesting all year round.
100% Organic – Byron Bay
Growing our fruit and vegetables without chemical sprays and fertilizers means that production is less intensive than normal and our labour costs are higher making our crops more expensive to produce, but we think that protecting the environment and your health is worth it. We believe that we can taste the difference in our food and that our customers can as well.
Our Sources – Local Organics
While Munch Crunch Organics always favours local and seasonal produce, produced from our farm or within 100 miles of our farm we recognise that it is not always possible to source everything we sell locally. Therefore we sometimes need to source produce from our trusted associate producers in other parts of Australia.
By using supply from our associate producers we are able to offer a guarantee of environmental and ethical standards. By choosing Munch Crunch Organics, you can be assured of high quality fresh food from certified organic, sustainable and co-operative sources.
Visit Munch Crunch Organics here http://www.munchcrunchorganics.com.au
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Northey Street City Farm
More than 1500 exotic and native fruit trees, bushtucker plants, shrubs and ground covers have been planted on the four hectare farm site since its inception in April 1994.
The farm has been developed for people to enjoy and participate in using the principles of permaculture. It is also intended to be a demonstration site where people of all ages can learn through practical, hands on experience.
Our Mission:
Visit Northey Street City Farm here http://www.nscf.org.au
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Blueberry growers Sue & Rob @ Hampton blue
Hampton Blue is a mixed berry orchard situated at Hampton, 30km north of Toowoomba towards Crows Nest. Fresh blueberries and raspberries can be picked from November to Feb/Mar and January to April respectively. If you’re interested or would like to know more about any of the above information please contact either Rob or Sue on (07) 46979287 or info@hamptonblue.com.au.
At Hampton Blue we focus on providing naturally grown, quality fresh & processed berry products that are as pure as possible and remain full of natural berry flavours. Products are made by Hampton Blue, on the farm in a licensed kitchen. We thank our customers for continuing to support these and providing great feedback which allows us to develop new and hopefully exciting products for you well into the future. Product prices and health related info can be found below. Links to other blueberry and raspberry websites that provide great examples of the benefits of eating these fruits can also be found at the bottom of the page.
Visit HamptonBlue here http://www.hamptonblue.com.au
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Rod and Tania Bruin of Summit Organics
Summit Organics Farm and Border Ranges backdrop. Photo: Peter Bracher
Summit Organics is situated 30 kilometres west of Murwillumbah, NSW, on a family-owned 338-acre (128 hectare) property, right next to the World Heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park. The vegetable production area is an intensive market garden and utilises approximately six acres.
Summit Organics originally started out as Summit Coffee Plantations and were processors of the first Certified Organic grown and processed coffee in Australia.
The irrigation water used by Summit Organics comes from two spring-fed dams and is gravity fed to the production area (no pumping). All irrigation is undertaken through drip irrigation. Vegetables are marketed through a network of local shops, box deliveries and the Lismore and Gold Coast Organic Markets. Lismore Market is held at Lismore Showground every Tuesday, 8.00 am — 11.00 am and Gold Coast Market is held at Miami High School each Sunday from 6.00 am —11.30 am.
Summit Organics produce is produced with the help of organic compost. It is brought in by the semi-trailer load, with the farm using almost 600m year. The compost is supplied by Tryton in Lismore and is produced from Council Green Waste. Tryton has one of the largest worm farms in the Southern Hemisphere.
Summit Organics, Tyalgum, Phone: 02 6679 2012, Email: summitorganics@skymesh.com.au
Rod and Tania (Summit Organics)
Tania Harvesting Basil
Farmwalk - Compost
Rod Preparing Seedbed
Various Young Vegies (Summit Organics)
Wollumbin From Summit Organics - Peter Bracher
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Lise Racine – The Herbal Gardener
Herbal skin care
ecologically sound, hand-made on the farm, artisan created with finesse and passion
Who are we?
The Herbal Gardener is an eco-conscious mini-farm certified bio-dynamic with Demeter and set on two acres on the Gold Coast.
Here we cultivate herbs that are individually hand-picked after being carefully selected for their radiance and vitality. We then transform them on the property using traditional herbalist techniques and enter them in the composition of our products.
The owner
The owner is Lise Racine. She established herself on the property in Tallebudgera in 2003. She started the process of bio-dynamic certification in 2004 and was first certified in-conversion in 2005. She gained full certification with Demeter in 2008. Lise came over from Canada in 1989. She completed a degree in nursing in 1985 and is currently completing the last year of a correspondance traditional herbalist course.
Organic practices on the farm
The mini-farm has been fully certified bio-dynamic Demeter since 2008. To gain and maintain such a certification no chemicals input are allowed. The weeding is done by hand while the fertility of the grounds are achieve through different practices such as:
The Herbs
The herbs cultivated are selected based on their qualities for soothing, moisturising and promoting the skin’s integrity.
We are currently growing calendula, lemon balm, mallow, comfrey and yarrow.
Each year new herbs are established in the gardens.
The Products
All the products are hand-made on the farm on a small scale. They contain herbs that have been hand-picked and dried at a low controlled temperature to preserve their qualities. They are then transformed by infusing into Australian first cold pressed extra virgin certified organic olive oil using traditionnal herbalist techniques before entering into the composition of the products.
No synthetic preservatives, petroleum ingredients or fragrances are used.
When choosing the other ingredients that we don’t grow ourselves, the priority is given first to Australian certified ingredients then Australian ingredients. Only in the last resort will we use certified organic ingredients from overseas in small quantity as to be mindfull of the carbon footprint of the products.
http://www.theherbalgardener.com.au
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