OGAWA enews - April 2011

Biodiversity studies confirm organic benefits
OCW has published a review of the scientific literature on the biodiversity impacts of organic farming. The published studies confirm a wide range and number of positive effects (62 out of 82 studies) with very few negative effects (6...
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Source: Organic Centre Wales

OFA Trust Website
The OFA Trust has a new website. If you are interested in increasing the level of research into organic systems tax deductible donations for this project can be made via the Trust website at http://organictrust.ofa.org.au/
Source: OFA

BFA  standard revised
The Biological Farmers of Australia Ltd (BFA) has released its latest version of their Australian Certified Organic ACO standard 2010. This is the standard that ACO certified operators use as the basis for their certification. The revised standard covers requirements to new and emerging organic sectors including cosmetics, forestry, ethical trade-organic, pet food, fibres and aquaculture production.
Also the BFA will soon launch a consumer version of its new edition Standard - defining production points of interest for individual organic products and product categories. “The booklet will enable shoppers to make quick purchase decisions by allowing them to understand, at a glance, the production differences between organic and non-organic, for example, the advantages of buying organic versus non-organic honey, meat or eggs,” said Dr Monk. “This new summary standard will be available free of charge from April 2011 from the BFA website alongside the full version of the Standard.”
Source: BFA

Farming around the pitfalls
Sustainable farming needs to include financial sustainability as well. Your farm is your business and, as such, should follow Good Business Practices (GBP) to achieve success. Luckily, you can build on business basics for sustainable small farm success.
Source: Rodale institute

 Global Sales of Organic Food & Drink Recovering
The global market for organic food & drink is recovering from the financial crisis. After several years of double-digit growth, the market expanded by just 5 percent in 2009. Healthy growth rates are resuming as 'mainstreaming' of organic products continues. A major driver of market growth in all geographic regions is increasing distribution in mainstream retailers.

The European market for organic food & drink has been most affected by the financial crisis. Declining consumer spending power and rationalisation of organic product ranges in food retailers caused the UK market to contract in 2009. The German market, the largest in Europe, showed no growth. In contrast, the organic products market in some countries  - including France and Sweden - showed resilience, expanding by over 15 percent.

Healthy growth is continuing in the North American market, which has overtaken the European market to become the world's largest this year. Supply continues to fall short in many organic product categories, leading to imports from various countries. Latin America has become a major source of organic fruits, vegetables, meats, seeds, nuts and ingredients.

The fresh produce category comprises most organic food & drink sales. Fruit & vegetables like apples, oranges, carrots and potatoes are typical entry points for consumers buying organic products. Their fresh nature appeals to consumers seeking healthy & nutritious foods. Dairy products and beverages are the next most important organic product categories.

Production and consumption of organic products is rising rapidly in Asia. Countries like China and India are becoming global producers of organic crops, whilst other countries are becoming large consumers. However, the disparity between production and demand is leading to a two-tier organic food industry.

Consumer demand for organic foods is rising partly because of the spate of food scandals, some involving Chinese products. Consumers are turning to organic foods because of fears for food safety. Large food retailers are responding by introducing organic products, some under their private labels. Distribution is also expanding in non-retail channels, such as catering & foodservice establishments. 
Source: organic monitor – for full research publication http://www.organicmonitor.com/700340.htm

Yes, there is a difference between organic and conventional food
New research shows promising results in determining whether a crop was grown organically or conventionally. By testing the nitrogen in lettuce leaves, it is possible to tell whether the fertiliser used to grow the crop was synthetic or organic.
Source: Rodale institute

GM - Greenpeace has launched their Truefood Guide   to GM foods

Steven McCoy
Development Officer, Organic Food and Farming
Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
steven.mccoy@agric.wa.gov.au
Ph 08 9368 3960
Mb 0424 147 408
Fax 08 9368 3355

At our next month meeting Tim Lawrence will be talking about “The Journey of Mulchnet”. This is going to be on 14th April at 7 PM at the Meeting Place.
Kind regards
May-Ring and Margaret
ogafreo@yahoo.com.au

Click here to download the Infonote on Ember Protection screens to give you an idea of what they are like. If anyone who is not on email would like a copy, I have a few hard copies. I also have some copies of the Winter Burning Guide and DVD produced by FESA and there are a few copies in our library.

Backyard Bee Keeping What a fascinating and rewarding hobby!  If you have often thought that you would like to try this come along to our next meeting.
Guest speaker: Jerry Berg
Jerry has been a hobbyist for 35+years and a member of the Western Australian Apiarist Society and the WA Beekeepers Association.
Business Name:  Bee Catcher (also removes Bees and Wasps!)
Jerry's talk will  be aimed at people wanting to start off in Bee Keeping and he will discuss:

• the commitment involved in keeping bees
• the work involved
• the tools, equipment  and clothes needed, ie  protective gear, smokers, bees, hives etc
• where to obtain hives

The meeting is on Wednesday 13th  April at 7.30pm in the Roleystone Family Centre, 19 Wygonda Rd, Roleystone.  Entry $3-members free. Enquiries to Lisa 9399 2312.

There is really only one way to solve problem this permanently and that is to increase the clay content of your soil. Clay particles are hydrophilic or 'water loving', and being so minute, they will eventually penetrate the hydrophobic coating on the sand particles and break it down. So not only does it suck up water holding it in but it also stops the rest of the soil in the bed becoming water repellant. Go get some!!

Wendy is busy digging out lawn, the plan is to improve the soil to improve water holding and put in a good section of natives. She is also planning to install a rainwater tank with a hope to be able to water the garden beds by rainwater if water restrictions become even tighter. This is one of those things that people need to do the sums on.

Linda's frogs are hanging out in the frog Hilton. Joe, new to the group, had a lot to share and even pictures and a virtual tour. He has been reading and enjoying gardening for a few years now and decided it was time to reach out and see who else is having fun in the sun. He had a great idea of using a washing machine drum (lots of holes/ventilation) as his compost bin.

After a two hour round table discussion, a new record, we had a look at John's Garden.  I can assure you as always the plants are healthy and vigorous a testament to continual composting and application.
Just in case you are still reading I am keen to know what bug is in the photo, my email is below.

NEXT MEETING
Still to be confirmed. Contact Charles for the details. charles@permaculturewest.org.au or 0466633275

Lastly the soil and your ready to plant.
The great thing about wicker beds is you can grow vegies in a root invested back yard. No struggling  to loosen tree roots or trying to prevent trees invading the vegie patch and suck away the goodness.
Vanessa tells us her vegies are looking great and no wilting in the middle of the day.
We also managed a discussion on the advantages of raised beds and different permaculture designs.
Lastly I brought out some angled louffas for everyone to look at and taste (the inside is beautiful raw a bit like cucumber). They are the first I have grown as last year the quarantine was lifted and I can now get seed sent from over east. Great wet season vegie and delicious in Eggplant and Tofu Sambal.
If all goes well Alan will be talking at the next meeting about all things Tomato.
See you there! 16th April 3.30pm
Tan.
fusionherbs@westnet.com.au
Venue: 12 Mile Cafe
Address: Lot 20 Yamashita Rd, 12 Mile, Broome

Fresh Produce report:

The weather doesn't seem to be getting any cooler yet, but the Autumn produce is coming in. The pears are really good eating and there are a few different varieties available now. Pink Ladies and Fujis are yet to start for the season, but the Galas have been really sweet and crunchy. For those who like to bake, the Grannies are in now along with Golden Delicious and Hi Early. The summer stone fruit is nearly finished with Plums being the only thing still in good supply. All the melons, though, are still available and as sweet as ever.

After taking a fair beating with the long run of hot weather, greens are now getting easier to get a hold of.

We've got a few different varieties of lettuce, silverbeet, rainbow chard, spinach, rocket and we still have a good supply of Asian greens. Capsicum is probably the most exciting veg at the moment, with red, green, yellow, orange and black all available. We even have the little gourmet capsicum in a range of colours.

Talking about the weather, Chestnuts are a sure sign that Winter is not too far away. Roasted on there own they are a treat, but they can also add a tasty crunch to pasta, soup or even desserts.

Enjoy!
Lyndon McMath Shop 7, 299 Charles Street
North Perth WA 6006
p: (08) 9227 7755  f: (08) 9227 7711
www.organiconcharles.com.au

Autumn is here – apparently!  At least the evenings and mornings are getting cooler, even if we are still experiencing warm daytime temperatures.  And don't even START talking about rain!!! 
Assuming we WILL get some rain soon, it's time to start preparing for your autumn planting.  The warmth is great to get plants growing quickly, but until these rains do come, ensure your garden receives adequate water.

Its time to pull out spent tomatoes, zucchini, etc. and compost them – as long as the plants are not affected by fungal disease.  Enrich your beds with compost, manure, rock dust and treat with an organic soil wetting agent if necessary.

Leesa (The Greenhouse) has some fantastic winter vegies coming out now – including brussel sprouts, broad beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, chard – etc!  More are coming along every week.

• Contributes large quantities of organic matter to the soil
• Helps to open up and aerate the soil, making clay soils more friable
• Organic matter aids water retention in sandy soils
• Encourages microbial life in the soil, and protects soil life from extremes of weather

Enjoy Autumn in the garden, and if you're coming out to Garden Week (7-11 April at Perry Lakes) come and say hello!
Cheers,
Linda Mitchener
The Green Life Soil Co

Hi everyone,

The GM issue has become BIG NEWS since Kojonup Organic farmer Steve Marsh revealed that his neighbour's GM canola had contaminated two thirds of his property. NASAA, following strict national standards of 0% GM tolerance had no choice but to decertify his farm.
Steve has been left with no choice but to sue his neighbour, as that is all that the State Government deems appropriate in such circumstances.
Support for Steve has been growing and the past week has seen him speaking at a packed hall in Williams, where the GM farmer was also present; and at a Food Forum in Perth where it was standing room only for most of the latecomers.
Since Steve discovered the contamination on his farm another event has come to light concerning a non GM farmer in Victoria who has found GM canola washed onto his land from flooding.
This problem will not be going away, and can only get worse unless this State Government stops all commercial GM crops.
We have been given an unusual ally in the shape of our very own Premier, Colin Barnett, who said last week that after trade talks with Japan “We (he and the Government) do not have a policy for, and would not be having, GM wheat.”
Now this is a surprise as Terry Redman has been holding talks all over the place pushing GM wheat at an international level. The selling of 19.9% share of our wheat-breeding programme (InterGrain) to Monsanto was with the intention to develop GM wheat so this is a massive back flip. With $9 million tied up in GM research stations perhaps these monies can now be directed to the likes of Steve Marsh. Surely some good should come from all of this?

Book tickets now for the “Stand up to Monsanto” benefit concert on April 16th at the Fly by Night, Fremantle. For more info on the concert and how to support Steve and the Organic Industry go to this link.

2nd April - Trust Organic Festival - Subiaco Farmers Market, Bagot Road, Subiaco

7th-11th April - Garden Week - Perry Lakes (www.gardenweek.com.au)

10th April - Perth Sun Fair - UWA (www.perthsunfair.com.au)

7th May - Mosman Park Fair - St. Luke's Anglican Church, Mosman Park

22nd May - Agriculture and Environment festival - Swan Hill Farm, Northam (for more information contact ( jane.elise.ferro@gmail.com)

Hi
I am a freelance journalist working on a story about Tea tree oil. If any members grow tea tees, I'd appreciate it if you would contact me on T/Fax: 08 9299 7363 Mob: 0411 116 363 or email me at frank@happygardener.com.au Regards
Frank Smith ­ Wordsmith: Freelance writer and editor

OGAWA Member Discount Scheme - Supporting businesses that promote organic food and farming
WA organic food and farming businesses offering discounts to members of OGAWA continues to grow. We thank these participating businesses for supporting the OGAWA and encourage all members to tell your friends about these great organic products and services available.
Click this link for the list of participating organic businesses.

The MDS is only available to current OGAWA members as shown by a valid membership card.
OGAWA Member Discount Scheme – Ask for your member discount from these participating businesses.  
Simply display your member discount card with some ID to verify your OGAWA membership.

Membership Renewals  Download Ordinary Membership Forms $30   
Download Commercial Membership Application $60

Welcome to the Organic Association of Western Australia's April 2011 edition of our paper– free electronic newsletter. We will be publishing a newsletter monthly and welcome articles, contributions and advertising from members and friends. (Please send to Leesa) Please ensure that we have your updated email address as our database has many invalid addresses where people have changed their details and not advised us. To subscribe or unsubscribe please contact Sue enews_editor@ogawa.org.au

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