Why Organic and Biodynamic?
We want to be healthy, so it simply makes sense to follow organic principles.
Organics is not just about avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and other dangerous chemicals, although we certainly do that. Organics also makes a positive statement that it is better to fit in with nature, rather than attempt to dominate it. So, for example, in order to keep aphids in check we try to encourage a healthy population of ladybirds in the orchard. We strive for balance and harmony, where biodiversity self-manages.
Similarly, we aim to avoid monocultures. This is why we have two separate hazelnut orchards, one at either end of the farm. Monoculture is by definition imbalance. As far as practical, we aim to avoid monoculture and instead create a balanced environment with a mix of plant species.
Our trees are healthy, and to this point we have never needed to spray for pests and diseases.
Organic management of our hazelnut orchards does have its challenges, particularly the control of grass around the trees, and also sucker control, as hazels sucker vigorously from the base. In our orchards these tasks are performed physically rather than chemically, and this takes considerable time and energy. But the effort is worth it - we want our hazelnuts to be as pure and healthy as they possibly can be.
Organics is not just about avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and other dangerous chemicals, although we certainly do that. Organics also makes a positive statement that it is better to fit in with nature, rather than attempt to dominate it. So, for example, in order to keep aphids in check we try to encourage a healthy population of ladybirds in the orchard. We strive for balance and harmony, where biodiversity self-manages.
Similarly, we aim to avoid monocultures. This is why we have two separate hazelnut orchards, one at either end of the farm. Monoculture is by definition imbalance. As far as practical, we aim to avoid monoculture and instead create a balanced environment with a mix of plant species.
Our trees are healthy, and to this point we have never needed to spray for pests and diseases.
Organic management of our hazelnut orchards does have its challenges, particularly the control of grass around the trees, and also sucker control, as hazels sucker vigorously from the base. In our orchards these tasks are performed physically rather than chemically, and this takes considerable time and energy. But the effort is worth it - we want our hazelnuts to be as pure and healthy as they possibly can be.
South Orchard Summer 2019
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Happy worms!
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Agisted sheep helping to trim the grass
South Orchard Spring 2019
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The Biodynamic Method of farming was first described by Rudolph Steiner in a series of lectures in 1924, now gathered together as a text called 'Agriculture Course'.
Biodynamics is often described as ‘premium organics’. It takes organic principles to the next level, where the farm is consciously seen as being part of, and subject to, the big universal forces. These forces are often unrecognized in our contemporary world, but nevertheless they still act on us. We do better – as do our food crops – when we work with these forces. The proof is in the product: many will testify that biodynamic products look better, taste better, last better and have more nutrition.
In practical terms, the biodynamic approach to farming is often characterized by the timely application of compost and compost teas containing special preparations to nurture soil and microbial life.
Biodynamics is often described as ‘premium organics’. It takes organic principles to the next level, where the farm is consciously seen as being part of, and subject to, the big universal forces. These forces are often unrecognized in our contemporary world, but nevertheless they still act on us. We do better – as do our food crops – when we work with these forces. The proof is in the product: many will testify that biodynamic products look better, taste better, last better and have more nutrition.
In practical terms, the biodynamic approach to farming is often characterized by the timely application of compost and compost teas containing special preparations to nurture soil and microbial life.
Eli helping with compost preparation
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A batch of mature compost
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Although our farm has always been managed on organic principles, only in 2014 did we begin to seek formal accreditation for this. As of April 2016 we are fully accredited with Australian Certified Organic (ACO) as Organic and Biodynamic producers and processors of hazelnuts.
We are members of Biodynamic Agriculture Australia. Click here to find out more.
