IN THIS ISSUE
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| OFA Response to The Australian, July 8 2002 |
The Australian Newspaper published a report and feature article by journalist Ean Higgins which raised concerns about the organic management of livestock.
"Organic Approach is Raising Concerns - Questions are being raised about the health of organically farmed animals, with concerns that natural treatments do not always deal adequately with parasites and diseases"
The article referred to DRDC funded research comparing conventional dairy farms with those that hadn't regularly used herbicides, pesticides and conventional animal treatments. (This definition should NEVER be read as "organic"!) The research was undertaken in the late 80s and published in the early 90s, found that the calves raised on low input farms had "significant parasite problems."
OFA RESPONSE
FACT: It wasn't until 1992 that the first edition of the Australian National
Standard for Organic and Biodynamic produce was published. There was no National
system in place to accredited certified organic or biodynamic produce at that
time. Indeed there were only two certified organic dairy farmers in Victoria
up until 1992.
From our industries' perspective any farm that is not certified organic is considered conventional as we cannot supervise or control the methods of those farmers who operate outside the organic industries' regulatory framework nor those non-certifed farmers who make certified organic claims.
Under a certified organic livestock system and according to the National Standard
section 3.33 - 3.35 of the livestock standards state:
3.33 "The reliance on substances rather than management practices for the
control of pests and diseases is not in accordance with organic farming principles.
Products listed in Annex 1D are to be used as aids, where management practices
are, or would be insufficient"
3.34 "The use of veterinary drugs on livestock in the absence of illness
is prohibited. Where specific disease or health problems occur and no alternative
permissible treatment under this standard or management practice exists or where
treatment is required by law:
a) therapeutic use of alleopathic veterinary drugs or antibiotics are permitted.
After such treatment, livestock cannot be sold as organic. Their products and/or
progeny can be marketed as organic after a minimum management period as outlined
in the following table:
| Product | Minimum management period |
| Wool | 18 months after treatment |
| Milk | 180 days after treatment |
| Eggs | 60 days after treatment |
| Poultry | permanent loss of organic status |
| Ruminant and monogastric animals | only offspring can be organic animals for meat. Providing conventional treatments administered prior to last trimester. |
| Aquaculture | permanent loss of organic status. |
b) animals must be identified and quarantined from other livestock for at least three times the withholding period specified for the relevant treatment in laws. The quarantine area of the farm may not be used for organic production for a period of at least 12 months after it has been used for such purpose.
3.35 The welfare of the animal is paramount and Commonwealth/State legislative requirements in respect of animals must be observed.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS OF THE CERTIFIED ORGANIC INDUSTRY, THE MISTREATMENT, NEGLECT OR FAILURE TO ATTEND TO THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF ANIMALS IS NOT TOLERATED. PRODUCERS WOULD EITHER NOT GAIN CERTIFIED ORGANIC STATUS OR IF ALREADY CERTIFIED, WOULD IMEDIATELY BE DECERTIFIED.
Further, the Ean Higgins article neglected to include the emphasis on the systems approach organic farming must reflect. Organic farming takes a holistic approach to achieving a healthy system and fundamental to that is the health of the soil. A healthy soil grows healthy plant, which in turn grows healthy animals. Animal health in organic system cannot be achieved without taking into account the health of the soil and pastures. Organic farmers therefore pay a lot of attention to the soil and its ability to provide the necessary nutritional requirements for the animals. If the soil is deficient in certain minerals or trace elements then they may be administered to the animal and applied to the soil as soil amendments. Many organic farmers monitor their animals health by soil testing, blood testing, fecal testing and direct observation.
There are many ways that minerals and elements may be administered to animals - kelp is rich in a wide range of minerals and trace elements and is fed regularly to dairy cows, both organic and conventional. Fermented products such as apple cider vinegar is a readily digestible source of potassium and other minerals and can assist the metabolism of cattle at particular times of the year and during periods of stress, eg precalving, cold weather etc. Apple cider vinegar is commonly used by dairy farmers both organic and conventional. Dolomite or magnesium is another commonly administered mineral in the dairy herd.
Many other inputs may be given to animals if there is a demonstrated need including vaccines. ( refer to Annex 1D - Permitted Materials for Animal Pest and Disease Control - National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce). The National Standards clearly state that vaccines may be used for a specific disease which is known to exist on the organic farm and neighbouring farms and which threatens livestock health and which cannot be effectively controlled by other management practices.
SUPPORT FOR THE ORGANIC INDUSTRY AND ITS REGULATOR SYSTEM
OFA RESPONSE
The misrepresentation of the Organic Standards, and the meaning of Organic as demonstrated in the article by Ean Higgins raises the question of why this lack of understanding exists and indeed persists in the organic industry. The continuation of this sort of misinformation hinders the development of the industry and perpetuates serious untruths.
The answer lies in part with lack of support by government for our industries' self regulatory program. Whilst the Federal government has regulations in place to control organically produced products destined for the export market, there are no similar regulations in place to control the definition of organic the domestic market place. The industry has for a long time for lobbied for the sort of regulation that would clear the confusion of what is and what isn't organic.
Recently the Federal Government made it clear to the organic industry that such legislation would not be forth coming and that the existing laws, particularly the Trade Practices Act, are adequate to cover the issues of fraud and misrepresentation that the organic industry has to contend with.
The industry has the means to control fraud within the certified organic programs through its inspection and certification process, however the most serious issues of fraud and misrepresentation exist outside of the industry such as by those operators - farmers, processors, advertisers who make "organic" claims. On our supermarket shelves we are seeing "organic water", "organic" shampoo, "organic' bread, "organic" soy products, "organic" sauces, "organic" fruit and vegetables and more. Now we are experiencing the media, agricultural professionals and agricultural department and research and development organization also falling into the trap of confusing the definition of "organic".
The OFA needs the support of its membership and the organic industry to work with both national and state governments to bring an end to the misinformation portrayed of our industry and the fraudulent claims that made by elements in our community. The OFA Website - www.ofa.org.au can keep you up to date on industry issues.
|
OFA continues to Oppose Genetically Engineered Organism Releases |
The Organic Federation of Australia has lodged a submission to the Gene Techmnology Regulator regarding the proposed release of Genetically Engineered (GE) herbicide resistant canola by Monsanto and Aventis
"The Government regulator should take a long and serious look at our submission", said OFA chair, Rod May. "Our team of experts have pointed to no less than 20 areas of concern with the proposed widespread release of the engineered varieties. It points to serious flaws in the process for assessing and safeguarding the environment and consumers from this poorly understood, uncontrollable and unneeded technology," he continued.
"The number and spread of the releases poses unacceptible risk, given the lack of controlled scientific field assessment. These releases are an attempt to get the foot in the door by establishing precedents for release before all the facts are known", he said.
The Organic Federation of Australia has opposed GM releases in principle since its emergence as an industry group in the late 90s. The chief risk to the organic industry is the contamination of Organic foods by the movement of genetically engineered material form GM crops into organic food via pollination and other vectors.
"There is no market for Genetically Engineered crops. They are not wanted by consumers, who have the right to expect that organic food is free of contamination" said Mr May.
"Farmers are being denied the right to grow the GE-free and organic crops that consumers prefer. GE Canola will contaminate all nearby conventional and organic canola and lead to rejection or downgrading of canola grown by farmers who haven't sown GE canola." he said.
"The poor regulation of GE crops will cause enormous tensions and anger in farming communities across Australia as neighbour turns on neighbour because of contamination." he concluded.
The OFA submission to the GTR can be downloaded from the OFA website, www.ofa.org.au
Mr May can be contacted for comment on (03) 5345 7342 and capck@netconnect.com.au
| OFA Forms New Website Partnership |
The OFA has teamed up with the Organic Super Site owned and operated by Dom O'Brien to provide a new and expanded service to the organic industry. "With a couple of months now under our belt, we can see some very positive changes in the OFA website." said OFA chair, Rod May.
The site, which has been in place for over three years, has a growing number
of hits as the public level of enquiry about organic agriculture grows. "With
an expanded directory (courtesy of certifiers NASAA and BFA) which contains
close to 2000 listings of organic operators of various kinds in Australia, there
is a much better chance that enquiries can be satisfied when it comes to industry
connections", Mr. May said.
The Organic Super Site has its own commercial thrust according to Mr May and
brings with it a portfolio of trade connections and information which complements
the OFA and permits users to access international events as well as domestic
news and information.
The OFA agreed to subcontract the operation of the site after lengthy discussions
and an assessment of the trial service that was provided earlier in the year.
Most observers agree that there is a growing need for professional web services
and over the next few months the OFA expects to see a dramatic increase in the
quality of their web site and a commensurate increase in traffic.
| OFA Annual General Meeting |
Saturday September 14th
Burnley College Campus (Melbourne University) - Institute of Land and Food Resources,
500 Yarra Boulevarde, Burnley
"Linking the Organic Industry - How to tap into exiting funding and
support structures."
Various speakers will talk about successful case studies and provide ideas on
how members can access funding and industry support for developing the organic
industry in their industry and regions.
Followed by the AGM and an organic dinner.
Sunday - Organic farm tours.
For more information contact: Rod May - OFA Chairperson, capck@netconnect.com.au Liz Clay - OFA Secretary, liz-clay@sympac.com.au Sid Cowling - Membership and Treasurer, cowlings@netspace.net.au
2.30 pm Afternoon tea - Organic of Course!
3.00 PM AGM
Notice of Constitutional Changes -
4.30 PM Board Elections and announcements of Board
5.00 PM Where to from Here? Wind up comments.
OFA members Dinner - Details TBA
Sunday – 15th September
Field excursions to organic farms - details TBA
| Conversion to Organic Agriculture Now Accredited by FarmBis |
The first conversion to organic program has been accredited by FarmBis in Victoria providing a 90% subsidy to eligible farmers.
The 3 day program covers the organic regulatory industry and processes, development of organic management plans, production issues, marketing and networking. The course features a mock farm inspection and includes mentor farmers in the delivery of the program. The program has been developed by Liz Clay of BioScape. She is an independent organic inspector and farmer also involved in organic industry development both domestically and internationally. The program intends to provide farmers with accurate information and skills for them to make informed decisions about converting to organic farming. It will also provide excellent revision for currently certified farmers, input manufactures and government agencies wishing to know more about the certified organic industry.
Costs for the program will be $620 + $62 GST. Eligible farmer will qualify
for a 90% subsidy bringing the farmer cost down to $68.20 (inclusive of GST).
The program will include course notes, organic standards and other industry
information. This program is only available in Victoria at this stage.
For more information contact: Liz Clay 0356 289557 or email: Liz-clay@sympac.com.au
Session outline is included below.
Changing Agriculture - Conversion to Organic Agriculture.
Session Plan
Day 1 1 Organic regulatory requirements
1.1 Meaning of Organic
1.2 Organic Industry Overview
1.3 Understanding the Organic regulatory requirements
1.4 Exporting Organic Agricultural Products
2 The Certification Process
2.1 Applying for organic certification
2.2 The site inspection process
2.3 Record keeping
2.4 Verifying organic integrity and risk management
Day 2 Mock Organic Farm Inspection - Half Day
3 Organic Farm Planning
3.1 Planning a resilient farming system
3.2 Identifying key Farm System Components
3.3 Identifying conversion issues
3.4 Understandings causes
3.5 Determining solutions
3.6 Monitoring and record keeping
3.7 Managing risks - on farm/off farm
4 Water, Landscape and Biodiversity
4.1 Organic and governments regulatory requirements
4.2 Environmental impact evaluation
4.3 Managing biodiversity
4.4 Managing water
4.5 Managing soil
4.6 Managing land
Day 3 Mentor Farmers
5 Supply Chain Management
5.1 Organic Supply chains
5.2 Transport, storage and handling
5.3 Labelling
6 The Organic Market Place
6.1 Organic Consumers
6.2 Product Specification
6.3 Marketing options
6.4 Cooperative arrangements
6.5 E-commerce
7 Information Networks
7.1 Farmer support networks
7.2 Information
7.3 Industry networks
| Western Australian Organic Industry Meeting |
An important and perhaps historic meeting took place in Perth last Monday when representatives from WA organic farmers, handlers, wholesalers, state organizations and consumers met to discuss the formation of an industry peak body for the state.
The WA organic industry is a diverse one with a potential to grow dramatically as a focused development of the supply chain in particular takes place. The potential to replace current importation from the west in the area of fruit and vegetables alone poses significant opportunities. Broadacre and livestock production is also significant and the organic wine and olive industry are well established.
With the participation of OFA chairman Rod May, who moderated the meeting , the extent of the WA desire for a peak body was revealed. The strong assistance of the staff and directors of the Greenskills group, especially Chris Baillie, saw a well structured dialogue and articulation of various objectives and models for a state body.
Of interest was one analysis of impediments to organic industry growth which included lifestyles and psychological issues, lack of mentors and industry experience , isolation and ineffective communication
Participants also heard from certification bodies who were represented by NASAA, BFA and BDRI, along with licensees of others and from the State Organic Growers association NASAA WA and the Western Australian Ag Dept
The meeting has appointed a small committee to report back to WA industry members in the next 3 weeks with a preferred model which is hoped to be adopted in the following month. The point was made by Rod May, that the OFA would warmly welcome the new body in a relationship which would strengthen both organizations.
WA readers may wish to make contact with the committee program manager, Colleen
Yates
Industry Development Officer
Green Skills
ph: (08)9336-1033 fax: (08)9336-3301
colleenyates@greenskills.green.net.au
fluxewe@westnet.com.au
|
Education / Extension Sector Report - by Education Representative Cheryl Kemp |
In February this year OFA and BDFGAA applied for funding through AFFA (Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Australia) for Train the Trainer Education for Organic and Biodynamic Education Teachers and Advisors and Consultants.
The proposed plan is to firstly to write a course, with the help of those already working in this area, to be co-ordinated by Michael Williams (TAFE NSW) who was instrumental in co-ordinating the TAFE ORGANIC MODULES.*
Part of the criteria for teaching the Organic Modules and the Biodynamic Electives was that the Trainers had to be accredited by OFA or Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association in Aust.Inc. and to attend an annual update course to continue their accreditation. (same as the Organic Inspectors).
As there is at present no criteria or process for this, it was felt that by doing this course, it would work towards accreditation, plus other criteria, such as experience as an organic or Biodynamic grower and/or experience in the industry.
At this stage we still await an answer from AFFA, so more news will follow when we hear about the funding outcomes.
I have also had a discussion with Denise Millar of RIRDC re Co-ordinating the Australian Education in Organics and plan a further meeting, once we get news of the above funding. She also informs me that East Gippsland Organics group have been given funding towards running training programs. This very proactive group have been running a TAFE Course that they have co-ordinated locally.
The TAFE accredited Organic Modules are available for use anywhere in Australia
from the Clearing house of TAFE. Or Contact Michael Williams on 02 6393 5931
or michael.r.williams@tafensw.edu.au
At this stage these modules are not accredited by the RTCA, (Rural Training
Council of Australia)and they have plans to work on this as funding comes in
for the work.
Cheryl Kemp.
Convenor, OFA Education Committee
| Consumer Sector Report - by Consumer Representative Eta Brand |
Travels with a consumer…
Consumer issues in Australia are poised to build and support the organic industry across the country. As the Consumer Rep on the OFA I am acutely aware of the problems a consumer experiences when attempting to purchase certified organic products both fresh and manufactured.
Farmers Markets: My recent travels took me to the Capricorn Coast in Queensland. My shoppers' instinct led me to the local farmers market in Yeppoon. As I wandered through the stalls I immediately noticed the all too familiar hand-written signage "organic" placed near the box of mandarins and lemons on the floor. Politely I enquired if the products were certified organic…. the stallholder shrugged her shoulders and was reluctant to part with much information as to how the products were grown etc. This scenario sadly is not uncommon. Around the corner I discovered a certified grower from the area. He had a wonderful selection of produce and proudly displayed his certification information visibly for shoppers. Consumers need to trust that what they are buying is truly organic.
Supermarkets
Browsing along the shelves it never ceases to amaze me how many new products
are appearing on the shelves promoting and using organic ingredients. Only the
other day I noticed that Coles in Goonellabah (Lismore) is now offering their
own brand name pasta product range that is certified organic. Way to go!
Health Food Stores
Skin care ranges are out on the shelves with labelling that is allowable, but
does not serve the organic industry or consumers. Examples include shampoos
labelled 'organic'; body washes labelled 'organic virgin hemp seed oil' - both
with no certification logos. Many more examples abound.
Consumers in Australia need regulation and education in relation to organics.
Educating consumers is crucial. For example: how to recognise the different
certification logos or perhaps a harmonised logo, as well as understanding what
"organic" means and its relevance.
When consumers are educated they know what to choose.
Consumers need a platform so that their voices can be heard. A concerted strategy will be in place in the very near future to capture consumer membership under the umbrella of the OFA. The working models are in place overseas growing the organic industry. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. My challenge is to see consumers educated, build the case further for regulation and strategically grow consumer membership within the OFA.
Collaboration and vision will ensure a sustainable and golden future for the organic industry in this country. I am so excited to be participating within the organic industry at a time of extraordinary opportunity!
Eta Brand
National Consumer Rep
| Prime Quality Meats Opens New Store |
Prime Quality Meats is very excited to announce the opening of a new store
at St Ives soon which will carry Natures Choice Organic Range supplied by Australian
Organics. Along with our usual range of organic products for the health conscious
family
Craig Cook
Director
| Bead Foods Launch Organic Hommus and Tzatziki |
Bead Foods have introduced a range of organic dips onto the Australian market
under the Hakea Organic brand. The dips come in two popular varieties, Hommus
and Tzatziki, and contain no added preservatives, colours or flavours. They
will provide consumers with an alternative to the many
non-organic dips already on the market. The 200gm tubs will also be the first
products to use the revamped Hakea logo on their packaging.
After many consumer trials, the recipes have been finalised, presenting the
consumers with exactly what they asked for. Hommus, the most popular and well
known of the Middle Eastern dips, is
suitable for vegetarians. Hakea's Hommus contains the rich, earthy flavours
of chickpeas with tahini, garlic and lemon juice, who's flavour is made more
complex with freshly ground spices. Hakea's Tzatziki is made using a variation
of a traditional Greek recipe. It is a combination of thick, creamy European-style
yoghurt, cucumber and garlic for zest and a touch of mint for a fresher taste.
| Hunter Biodynamic Group - Annual General Meeting |
Hunter BD Group runs its AGM with a minimum of formality, so there is always
good attendance. This year's AGM on Friday, 26th July was no exception. The
formal business of reports and elections was dealt with swiftly and with good
humour and there followed the usual lively discussions about things that matter
to BD farmers and gardeners, such as: Local suppliers of quality organic cider
vinegar, and Who is going to the BDFGAA Conference?
A feature of the Group's meetings is Member Introduction and this time Amie
Gallahan, a graduate of Tocal College and active member, described her home
and work on a mixed grazing property.
The guest speaker for the evening was Dr Matthew Colloff of CSIRO Entomology,
who researches agricultural ecology. He described his work with citrus growers,
assisting them to identify the causes of various problems, including infestations
of thrips, and to find ways to increase biodiversity on their farms. Matthew
also talked about the way in which he has used gene technology to identify bacteria
function in soils and to theorise about how conditions could be improved to
enhance nitrogen fixing bacteria in the severely depleted ecosystems of sugar
cane farms. Scientists found that the application of sugar to canefields could
contribute to carbon in the soil, thereby improving soil nutrition and levels
of soil fauna. This is part of ongoing research that will place the CSIRO in
a better position to offer farmers a diagnostic service for biodiversity in
soils.
In the discussion that followed Matthew's talk there was a general agreement
that education is a fundamental element in any attempt to develop more sustainable
ways of living; that adding sugar or molasses is beneficial for soil (and depleted
waterways it seems); that in orchards plants don't compete with one another
and so complete groundcover enhances biodiversity and crop growth. (Many of
us have visited John Priestley's orchard, rich with diversity, where pumpkins
have been known to grow happily beneath tall eucalypts!)
In thanking Matthew, chairperson Michael Winchester commented on the way scientific
evidence is now emerging for our BD practices, an affirming and encouraging
development.
As usual, the meeting ended with a delicious biodynamic supper with much talking,
borrowing of books from the Group's excellent library and the raffle with prizes
of produce from members' farms.
In addition to meetings such as these (that is, an evening gathering with a
guest speaker), Hunter BD Group holds regular field days at members' properties,
ranging from large grazing properties, to smaller mixed farms and gardens. There
is also a Preparations committee, which is growing herbs for the Biodynamic
Preparations made each year for supply to members.
Each year the Group runs a popular weekend The Basics of Biodynamics: A Beginners'
Course, this year 26/27 October at Tocal College, north of Maitland. The course
covers the basis of biodynamic methods, practices and principles for small and
large-scale operations. The program includes talks (mostly given by local biodynamic
practitioners), discussions and visits to biodynamic farms and to a native plant
nursery using biodynamic methods.
If you would like to know more about our Group, how to join, or how to enrol
for the Beginners' Course, please contact Helen McCall (02) 4938 5308.
| Promising Herbicide Development ?? |
In future editions of this segment we will update you on products considered allowed inputs within the organic certification programs under the AQIS accreditation. In the mean time we bring to your attention the following information that describes some research and product development of a promising herbicide made from a combination of acetic acid (vinegar) and citric acid (lemon juice). The product has not been drawn to the attention of the Australian certification programs yet however has been under review by the leading US Organic Materials Research Institute, OMRI.
Herbicidal Composition.
It has been found that acetic acid and citric acid combined may be employed
as a effective contact herbicide. The essential components of the herbicidal
compositions are edible materials hence, can be safely applied to vegetation
without risk of harm to animals, including humans. Nevertheless, as the product
has not yet been reviewed by the certification bodies in Australia, certified
operators should seek advise from their certifier for its use.
The herbicidal composition acts as a contact herbicide, which may be applied by spraying above-ground portions of the weeds. The product claims to rapidly and consistently kill aboveground parts of weeds. Plant injury is observed within a few hours of application and plant death within a few days.
The composition comprises a synergistic combination of acetic acid and citric acid. The acetic acid component conveniently is provided by domestic white vinegar while the citric acid is conveniently provided by lemon juice or the juice of another citrus fruit.
The product may be formulated as concentrates comprising glacial acetic acid
and citric acid in the desired ratio dissolved in water, which then may be diluted
to the desired strength for use. For example, a concentrate may be prepared
by combining 250 g of glacial acetic acid, 125 g of citric acid (i.e. a weight
ratio of acetic acid to citric acid of 2:1) with 625 g of water, to provide
a concentrate containing 25 wt % acetic acid and 12.5 wt % citric acid. The
composition may contain 620 g of water and 5 g (0.5 wt %) of a wetting agent-
preferably an edible oil.
These concentrates then may be diluted by adding water to provide an aqueous
herbicidal composition having the desired concentrations of acetic acid and
citric acid for application to the vegetative growth to be killed.
A particularly-useful composition according to the invention comprises about
2 parts by weight of vinegar (acetic acid) and about 1 part by weight of lemon
juice or other citrus fruit juice (citric acid). This composition is diluted
with water to provide the composition ready for use. The degree of dilution
of the composition determines whether the herbicidal composition will kill all
vegetation to which it is applied and whether it is selective.
The use of this combination product may prove of value in controlling some of
the many herbaceous noxious weeds such as thistles, dock, oxalis etc.
For further information contact www.omri.org
or the Sustainable Agriculture Network Discussion Group
SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU
| Naturally Organic Sweet Chilli Sauce (270ml) |
By Eta Brand
A truly delicious product to always have near the table. Beautifully packaged
and a great gift idea. Naturally Organic is a small but growing family business.
Most of the fruit and vegetables are grown on their own property in the Northern
Rivers region of NSW. Products are manufactured on the property, ensuring freshness
of the ingredients. (BFA 2003P) Ingredients include certified organic cider
vinegar, sugar, chillies, garlic and ginger.
Contact Heather and Geoff Smith (02) 6628-6045
Email: hsmith@nor.com.au
| New Farmer's Markets to Open in Melbourne |
The Collingwood Children's Farm, nestled in a bend of the Yarra in Abbotsford is the perfect venue for Melbourne's first farmers market. Nowhere else will you find such a mixture of fresh and locally produced goods in such a genuine city meets country setting. A truly unique shopping expedition.
The simple criteria for stallholders are that their goods are grown or made by those who sell them and that the quality of produce is of the utmost importance. The selection of produce will vary each market and those invited to attend will reflect the true seasons of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. The public can be confident of the origins of the food they buy and get closer to the sources of local foods.
Enjoy the restoration of Melbourne's once active market garden history with a trip to the farm. It's right on the bike path, close to public transport and you can come for the shopping or make a day of it.
The market will be held on the second Saturday morning of each month at the Collingwood Children's Farm, St Heliers Street, Abbotsford starting in Spring 2002 from 8.00am until around 1.00pm.
A gold coin donation for adults contributes to the upkeep of the farm.
For more information on the market, and for interested producers, contact Victorian Farmers' Markets: Peter Arnold on 5664 0036 or Miranda Sharp on 9499 6815.
| You will find more OFA and other industry services in the links below. |
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The OFA is the peak industry body for the Australian organic and biodynamic industry. Visit our webpage at www.ofa.org.au , or for organic industry and product enquiries click here . For information or help with this newsletter contact the OFA webmaster at webmaster@ofa.org.au
