Bringing the best of biological farming and organic market knowledge to regional centres, BFA’s Organic Roadshow is travelling nationally and arrives at Lismore on August 26.
The day will serve as a one-day overview of biological and organic farming practices and market knowledge – beneficial for all food producers.
BFA’s general manager Holly Vyner says the Roadshow has a highly practical focus, providing the opportunity to hear the advice of successful commercially-focused organic and biological producers from the region as well as advice from marketers and others.
"Biological and organic production techniques focus on maximising the sustainable use of ecological resources, decreasing reliance on outsourced inputs and increasing the overall resilience of pastures and crops among many other benefits," she said.
"The BFA Roadshow for years has received great feedback on its practical and regionally relevant advice for producers and others in the industry.
"The day is also a good chance to network with others who are growing biologically or working in the organic industry, as well as to gather information on biological farm inputs and other trade display products and services."
Stuart Larsson, owner, Mara Seeds is a guest speaker on the day and will report on what he has learnt over 32 years of production of organic seed, soybeans, cereal crops, composts, biological teas and stockfeeds.
The Mara Seeds business, at 2.5 thousand hectares, is now one of Australia’s largest organic farms.
Mr Larsson says the organic market has grown into a financially rewarding and sustainable option for commercially-focused producers who want to do their best for the land.
"Over many years of producing using biological farming methods we have been through trials and tribulations but believe that we are in a much better position for having chosen a biological farming approach, as well as making the decision to become certified organic back in 1998," he said.
"Producing certified organic requires careful planning and at the workshop I will be outlining some of the ways in which producers can avoid costly mistakes and succeed in this fast developing industry."
Ms Vyner says that at a time of economic downturn organic produce is holding its own and even increasing its market share.
An independent survey from March this year has found that there is growing consumer awareness about organics with over half of Australians now choosing organic at least on occasion.
"Our research shows that consumers are recognising the benefits of purchasing organic foods – in particular the health advantages, including no synthetic chemicals, no harmful food additives and antioxidant/ nutritional benefits – but also environmental, animal welfare, sustainable farming, biodiversity, and others."
* The Organic Roadshow is being held in eleven locations nationwide over 2009 and NSW workshops include Lismore, Dubbo, Albury and a networking dinner in Sydney.
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