WA Organic company wins 2011 Australasian Food Challenge Awards in Sydney
Over 350 food manufacturers gathered to celebrate the excellence in the Australian and New Zealand food and beverage processing. The Organic Fine Food Company, located at Bridgetown, won awards for Best Snack Foods and Best Packaging Design for their new WorkSnak Mini Smoothies. The Mini-Smoothies are made from fruit without milk or milk products using certified organic and natural ingredients and come in six different flavours.  Sold ready-to-drink in convenient snack size plastic tubs with tamper proof lids and straws provided, they can be stored at ambient temperature with a shelf life of 9 months.
Errol Seymour, Managing Director, said that “we are delighted with the accolades received from both the judges and the attendees at the awards. We are especially seeking distributors who can access the workplace with our WorkSnaK Mini-Smoothies”
Source: Food Magazine, Organic Fine Food Company

Organic market growth still outpaces conventional
US sales of organic foods and beverages continued to outpace conventional grocery sales in 2010, with the market growing 8.5 percent to reach $23.2bn at retail, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.
Source: Food Navigator

Earth friendly eating tips
For those who enjoy the luxury of choice, help has come in the form of what may be the most wide-ranging overview so far on how different foodstuffs - from lentils to lamb chops - impact the environment, the fight against global warming, and the human body.
Source: onfood

How to farm and feed ourselves in a changing climate
Don't be fleeced by the hype of expensive "emerging techonologies." There is a common-sense solution to feeding our growing population in our changing climate without poisoning our land and ourselves.
Source: Rodale Institute

Olive growers approve levy
The Australian Olive Association says the industry will be better prepared to handle disease risks following the approval of a new industry levy.
More than 80 per cent of olive growers voted to introduce a levy of $3.10 per tonne from next January, to fund research and biosecurity.
Source: ABC Rural
Ed’s Note: Organic producers should seek representation on R&D committee to ensure organic sector benefits from funding priorities.

New nationwide standards for olive oil
The standard promotes and protects authentic products and puts consumers in a much stronger position when it comes to making informed decisions. Words like ‘pure’ and ‘light’, which really never meant anything should no longer appear.
Source: onfood

Organics booming in Lebanon, India, Romania
Organics booming in Lebanon, India, Romania ... The first organic dairy factory has opened in Lebanon, Romania’s market is growing at 20 %+ and in India, f...
Source: Food Navigator

Biodynamic Study Project
This project is managed by the Leschenault Catchment Council (LCC) using funding provided through the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country (CfoC) programme. 
The project will focus on studying and promoting sustainable agricultural principles and practices, specifically Biodynamics.  It is anticipated that the outcomes will demonstrate clear benefits for the farmer in terms of maintaining or improving economic and social sustainability and at the same time maintaining or enhancing environmental and natural resource management benefits. 
Nine trial sites have been established, baseline soil tests conducted and initial application of biodynamic preparations applied.
Project manager,  Kevin Martin. 9795 8762, khmartin@iinet.net.au

Holistic Management Course for Livestock Producers.
Presented by Bruce Ward see www.holisticresults.com.au

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

Kind regards
May-Ring and Margaret
ogafreo@yahoo.com.au

With water restrictions and periods of high heat and evaporation it's sad to see your veggies wilt and struggle. Wicking beds ensure delivery of water to where it's needed, the plant roots, and prevents the soil from drying out with the help of adequate mulching. This has the added advantage of encouraging better soil life which in turn helps to improve soil structure, soil nutrient retention, and better bio-availability of nutrients to your plants.

Local Permaculture designer and educator, Jason Nicholls will show us how to make a wicking bed and the materials needed.

The meeting is on Wednesday August 10th at 7.30pm in the Roleystone Family Centre, 19 Wygonda Rd, Roleystone. Entry $3-members free.

Enquiries to Lisa 9399 2312  or porter4@aapt.net.au

Moira has some good veggie beds going, leafy greens, kale, collards and other winter crops doing well. She had also harvested Jerusalem Artichokes, at 1 bucket of tubers per plant, even noting their minor ‘wind’ issues, these truly are a Perth suited food growing machine. We discussed cutworms a bit. Given the cutworm eats and moves just under the soil surface it literally eats/cuts off the stem just under the soil very wasteful and for that reason one cutworm can devastate a row of beans or peas. Mini plant collars are suggested to deal with this, cutworms are seasonal and the moths very mobile so management is protection of seedlings once you realise there are a few around.

Karen had been battling chickens with the desire to have a biannual rotation of garden zone and chook run.  Joe coming late from a very informative Soil Workshop held at Chittering Landcare Centre - http://www.chitteringlandcare.org.au/ . Keep your eyes out for the next one.

We tip-toed through my lack of tulips and discussed Chilacayote’s (Pictured, no not a Pie Melon), Fat Hen, Tagasaste, Sweet potatoes, QLD Arrowroot, and wicking beds. And all the integrated gardening techniques I have been trialing in the Plant Hope Garden. I have one thing for your mulch more, organic biomass is the answer.

Our next meeting will be at Karen’s on 30th July, followed by Moira on 27th August, and Pam’s on 24th September. If you are a North of the River gardener or inspired please come and join us, new faces, ideas and problems are always welcome. Contact me for meeting addresses and RSVP’s. charles@permaculturewest.org.au or 0466633275

Cheers
Charles Otway
http://terrapermaperth.blogspot.com/

 A second planting of snake beans should see the family through to the wet season.
Numerous vines, fruit trees and vegetables  in cleverly arranged beds fill the garden. Alan explained his lasagne method of composting in compost bins made from wire netting. He uses palm leaf mulch, aged cow manure and blood and bone.
Alan and Judith have ventured into selling some of their produce to a local restaurant this year and Alan demonstrated, on a rocket plant, the  method of harvesting leaf vegetables, which encourages it to produce a regular amount each week.
Several gardening tips were shared and one addicted weed puller was seen removing a couple of weeds hiding under vegetables. Alan’s confessed to having a relaxed attitude to keeping on top of jobs and commented on his joy to have small children roaming between his vegetable beds.
A special mention must be made of the top of the range “Hen House”. Alan explained that he had opted for cement floor that came up 30 cms along the sides and aviary wire to ensure that snakes and goanna's did not enter. The roof is covered with solar panels and the enclosed side of the pen has cleverly placed trap doors to allow for collection of the eggs from the nests without entering the pen. Straw on the floor, perches, laying boxes and an automatic feeder complete the luxury hen accommodation.
Delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed on the lawn before we reluctantly tore ourselves away.
Next meeting August the 21st and it will be another garden visit. More details to follow!
fusionherbs@westnet.com.au
Venue: 12 Mile Cafe
Address: Lot 20 Yamashita Rd, 12 Mile, Broome

With the strange weather we've been having around the country this year some items that were plentiful last year are hard to come by this year. Fortunately there are always new growers coming through with great new lines. Local greens have slowed up a little with the cold weather, but what we have been getting has been lovely, including English Spinach, Silverbeet, several varieties of Kale and even lovely big Celery. Most of the winter veg are in now so all there’s plenty of root vegetables for the soup pot. The range of Potatoes available at the moment is excellent and along with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin you can make a lovely vegetable roast.

Citrus is great at the moment. Lemonades, Tangellos, Oranges, Mandarins and White Grapefruit are all around and delicious. The apples still have a lovely bite to them. Although you may argue about whether they are fruit or vegetable there’s no argument about how lovely (and well priced) Carnarvon’s Tomatoes and Avocados are.

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

Asparagus
(Asparagus officinalis)
Being a perennial plant, asparagus is a very rewarding addition to your vegetable garden.  As I write, we are yet to receive delivery of asparagus crowns – but hopefully we should have them in stock very soon.
Asparagus plants are dormant over winter, which is when the mature crowns can be divided and replanted.  Asparagus can also be grown from seed (sown in spring) and is available as seedlings most of the year.
The advantage of planting crowns is that you have a more mature plant, and can generally begin harvesting in the 2nd year of planting, as opposed to seedlings which can take 3 – 4 years at least.
Asparagus prefer a near neutral, enriched soil.  Plants can last 20 – 25 years so pick a spot to plant them where they can grow without being disturbed.
Many people are surprised to learn that the spears (which we all recognise as asparagus) when not picked, grow up into large, ferny foliage about 1.5 metres high!  It is worthwhile to keep this in mind when picking the site; the ferns will shade other areas in the garden.

 Asparagus spears can be picked once the plant is producing ones of reasonable thickness.  In order to continue growth and photosynthesis, it is important to leave some of the spears to grow to foliage.  Some people do this by harvesting ALL spears for approx. 6 weeks, then leaving the plant alone; while others selectively harvest only some spears over a longer period.  If the plant is beginning to struggle, spears will become thinner and thinner.

To plant crowns, dig a trench approx. 30cm wide and almost as deep.  Place the crowns on a mound of soil and spread the roots out.   Leave 40 – 50cms between each crown.  Cover with a mixture of soil and compost to a depth of about 15cms and continue to add more rich soil as the plants begin to sprout.  Trenches can be mulched with straw/pea straw to keep weeds down.
Spears will begin to appear late winter/early spring, and keep appearing through early summer.  Then in late autumn the ferns will begin to yellow off.  Once they turn brown, cut them back to a few centimetres above the soil.  Top dress with manure & compost ready for spring.
Although they are surprisingly drought tolerant, keeping them well mulched over summer will keep the plants happier.  They can then survive well on one deep watering per week.
Asparagus are relatively pest & disease free.  Watch for snails as new shoots emerge, particularly if you are growing from seed or seedling.  Asparagus contains potassium, Vitamins B & C and other anti-oxidants, and tastes delicious lightly steamed, and can also be baked, barbequed or fried!

Cheers,
Linda Mitchener
The Green Life Soil Co

From its inception, our aim at Waggy Dog Bakehouse has always been to provide tasty healthy treats for dogs whilst fulfilling our corporate responsibility to animal welfare standards and to the environment.
In addition, we wanted to offer a product that did not contain any of the common ingredients most likely to cause food allergies in dogs i.e. beef, dairy products, fish, corn, wheat and soy. Food Allergies account for up to 5% of all skin irritations in dogs including itchy skin and ear infections. Our pets have only been eating wheat-based pet foods for about 20 years. Is it any surprise then, that wheat gluten can and does cause conditions such as kidney failure in dogs and cats?
So – we set about researching ingredients and creating recipes which were not only delicious to dogs, but also:
• Grain-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Corn-Free
• Soy-Free
• Dairy-Free
• No added sugar
• No preservatives
• No artificial colours
With all of the above in mind, it made perfect sense to us that our treats should be made with certified organic ingredients. Organic dog food is free of artificial colours and flavour enhancers, chemical additives and toxic pesticides that can cause allergies in dogs. It contains quality protein sources of exceptional nutritional value and supports a dog's immune system to help build resistance to skin infections.
Our products are sold in biodegradable bakery bags and our printing is sourced from the Environmental Printing Co. using 100% recycled paper and vegetable inks. In 2010 we installed solar panels at our premises and a rainwater tank collects enough for our modest garden. Our next project is the composting of organic matter such as eggs shells and vegetable scraps used in processing our dog treats.
Although it is still early days for our company we now have 20 stockists and our products are selling very well at farmers markets and community events all over Perth. Our regular customer base is growing and so we have created a monthly newsletter, a Facebook page and a new website to make it easier for clients to find us.
10% of the profits raised from the sale of Waggy Dog Bakehouse treats are donated to the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park. Our own dog Ollie was once a resident at the Home and we continue to support the fabulous work they do in whatever way we can.

Donna Robson
Director
Waggy Dog Bakehouse
PO Box 94  Greenwood WA 6924  
0403 090 044       
info@waggydog.com.au      www.waggydog.com.au
   

Posted by Do Something! on July 18th, 2011 12:22 pm
Australians love to wash clothes – we carry out 1.9 billion laundry washes every year! When Do Something found out that 308 million Americans are only able to buy phosphate-free laundry detergents, we asked the question “why can’t 22 million Australians do the same?”

As a result of the impact that laundry detergent phosphates had on waterways, America banned phosphates in the mid-nineties. Do something wanted to achieve a similar result here in Australia – to that end we launched our ‘National Phosphate Ban’ campaign in October 2010. Our campaign position was that Australian supermarkets were selling phosphate-based laundry detergents that would not be allowed in American supermarkets. We argued that if the Americans wouldn’t sell them, then we shouldn't either.
Our discussions with ALDI about the issue led to the campaign’s first major breakthrough. On April 3rd 2011, they kindly announced that they were phasing out phosphates in laundry detergents in over 250 ALDI stores by the end of 2013. Our phosphate fact sheet that was launched at this time can be downloaded here.
Following the announcement by ALDI, we began to liaise with Coles and Woolworths, which lead to our second major breakthrough. Coles joined with us to announce that they would ban phosphates from all home brand laundry detergents in 2012. Woolworths also wrote to us to confirm that would remove phosphates from all private label laundry products by the end of 2011.
To coincide with our Coles and Woolworths announcement, Do Something joined forces with Unilever to announce that OMO – Australia’s biggest selling laundry detergent – had gone phosphate-free.
The Unilever approach brought about a major environmental benefit. As Do Something! Founder Jon Dee said at the time, “When Unilever removed phosphate from OMO, the product reduced its greenhouse emissions footprint by approximately 30%.  That’s a major result and it was achieved without increasing the price or impacting the quality of the wash.”
As Sebastian Lazell, the Chairman of Unilever stated, “Our global life cycle research revealed that phosphate has a higher greenhouse gas impact than other ingredients, so we've replaced it with lower greenhouse gas alternatives. For the OMO range this equates to an approximate 30% reduction in the greenhouse gas footprint of the product, and by simply using new OMO, an Australian household can save 20 kg of CO2 a year.”
According to Unilever's figures, if all Australian households switched to OMO, it would save 85,000 tonnes of CO2 in total – that’s the equivalent of taking 33,000 cars off the road.
As of June 2011, all major companies in the Australian detergent industry have now implemented or agreed to phase out phosphates in household laundry detergents.

Media Release 
 
Today, Greenpeace has brought a stop to a secret GM wheat experiment on the outskirts of Canberra.
 
This action follows the launch of their damning report last week, detailing the huge risks associated with developing genetically modified (GM) wheat. (1)
 
Janet Grogan, spokesperson for Just Food, an ethical food network, said: “We don’t want to feed GM bread to our kids.  GM has never been proven safe.”
 
GM foods have never been tested for safe consumption by humans.  Tests on animals have shown increased liver size, decreased fertility and increased allergic responses.  A group of renowned scientists and medical doctors from around the world recently sent an open letter to Australia ’s Chief Scientist asking her to stop the GM wheat trials because the proposed human feeding trials are completely inadequate to address health risks. (2)  CSIRO claims that their GM wheat is designed to reduce cancer rates.
 
Ms. Grogan said: “The idea of using GM for health benefits is just ridiculous.  We’d like to see the government following its own advice and encouraging people to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains, rather than spending millions of dollars of our money on creating foods that could cause more health problems". 
 
Just Food joins food industry leaders, scientists, doctors, chefs and consumers from Australia and around the world demanding that GM wheat trials be stopped and that the Australian wheat industry be protected from profiteering by multinational chemical companies.
 
(1) http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en/what-we-do/Food/resources/reports/Australias-wheat-scandal/
 
(2) http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/scientists-reject-human-trials-of-gm-wheat-20110627-1gn7e.html

Before purchasing mulches or manures for your garden, ensure that they don’t come from pastures treated with a broad-leaf weed killer.

A relatively new herbicide (weed killer) ingredient, aminopyralid kills broad-leaf plants by disrupting plant cell growth. It does not affect grasses, but can remain active in them, and manures from animals that eat sprayed grasses, until it is completely broken down by composting or soil microbes.
It is used by farmers to kill broad-leaved weeds growing in fields of grass. It locks onto the cellulose in the plants, passes through the guts of the animals that eat them, and retains its potency in their manure, sometimes for two or three years or more. It is not believed to present a risk to human health.
The poisonings were a cruel cosmic joke. The people hit hardest by careless agri-business were the small producers and amateur gardeners trying to do the right thing, by using manure rather than chemical fertilizers. They had no idea there was trouble until it was too late.
Aminopyralid renders garden beds unusable for almost two years, after contaminated pasture was used as mulch, or uncomposted manures were dug into garden beds.

Despite extensive problems in the UK, and the fact that aminopyralid is highly mobile in soil, our Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) has approved herbicides containing aminopyralid under the names; ‘Hotshot’, ‘Starane’, and ‘Grazon’.

The APVMA Manager – Public Affairs said that the APVMA requires products that contain aminopyralid to include on the label the following instructions: The herbicide is not be used on land to be cultivated for crops for up to 24 months. The herbicide is not to be applied to crops or pastures, which are intended to be cut for the production of compost, mulches or mushroom substrate to be used for susceptible crops or plants, as straw, hay or other plant material treated with this herbicide may damage the plants. Manure from animals grazing treated areas or feeding on treated hay is not to be used for growing broadleaf crops, ornamentals or orchards as injury to susceptible plants may occur.

However, these warnings do not help the many gardeners who are unlikely to ever see the herbicide label and, completely unaware of any potential problem, may inadvertently purchase contaminated products.

BFA Press Release, 27 July 2011
Organic beauty products provide “no-nano” safe-haven
As the battle for consumer education on beauty product potential health risks continues to intensify, the entry of nanotechnology is adding to a contentious debate.
The full health implications of nanotechnology being used in creams applied to the skin, or cosmetics, is not yet completely understood, but in a bid to win consumers over Invisible Zinc claimed its sunscreen was ‘not nano’. Complaints were made from other companies and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ruled that the claim of ‘not nano’ be removed from the product.
Nanotechnology is a field of applied science where matter is manipulated at the nanoscale (down to 1/100,000 the width of a human hair) to change the internal structure of compounds and create new materials and products. Nanotechnologies are reportedly reaching the market at a rate of 3-4 new products per week with cosmetics and sunscreens representing a reported 60% of listed products.
Carla Oates, representative for organic industry representative body, the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), says it is important consumers are aware of nanotechnology in their products and the TGA ruling is arbitrary and inconsistent.
“The people who are really losing out are consumers. They are caught up in the middle of marketing antics of big companies and the inefficiency of regulating bodies,” Ms Oates said.
“The only way you are to be guaranteed of getting a truly safe product is by purchasing a certified organic product. If you don't, it's important to look up all the ingredients on the ingredients list in order that you are aware of what you are putting onto your skin and potentially into your blood stream.” 
A Position Paper released this year by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) said; In the absence of a moratorium, all food, agricultural and other products which include manufactured nanomaterials must be clearly labelled to al­low consumers and farmers to make an informed choice. The paper goes on to say; those who seek to commercialise manufactured nanomaterials should be required to demonstrate the safety of the new technology before the technology is released. (2011)
Owen Gwilliam, BFA Cosmetics Advisory Group Convenor says, “The Therapeutic Goods Administration, by ordering a cosmetics company to remove a nanoparticle-free claim has set a worrying precedent. 
“While the jury is still out on whether or not such particles are dangerous, surely consumers have the right to know what is in the product they are using, or at least have the choice to buy a product that does not contain ingredients they are concerned about.
“The good news for organic consumers, or those wanting to avoid nanoparticles, is that nanotechnology is prohibited in all cosmetics and personal care products carrying the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) “Bud” logo. So even if an ACO certified product doesn't explicitly state "nano-free" on the labelling, you have that assurance.” 

Hulbert Street Sustainable Fair - 24th/25th September - for more information google The Painted Fish
Herb Spring Fair - Saturday 22nd October at Uniting Church,  McDonald St, Como
Lower Chittering Farmers Market - 21st August and 18th September from 9am - 1pm at Christos Valley estate, 260 Chittering Valley Road, Lower Chittering

Expressions of Interest
The monks from the St John of the Mountain Monastery are kindly opening their Mt. Athos Olive Grove and garden to the public for one day only on Saturday 10th September - Anyone interested in attending please contact Sue at shartley@starwon.com.au

Lead Horticulture Trainer Required
I’m writing from East Kimberley CDEP in Kununurra to ask your help.  We are currently recruiting for a Lead Horticulture Trainer to train indigenous participants in Cert I in Agrifood Operations and Cert II in Horticulture, and as part of this to develop a nursery in town, and a productive Kitchen Garden using sustainable principles, as well as being involved in creation of community gardens. 
I hoped that there may be someone within your network who would be interested in this opportunity.  I can of course, provide further details as required. For more information please call me on numbers below.
 
Kind regards, 
Catherine Dove
Human Resources
East Kimberley C.D.E.P.
Incorporating Kununurra, Warmun and Halls Creek
Upper Level, 116 Coolibah Drive, P.O. Box 1344, Kununurra WA 6743
Phone:    (08) 9168 3448 Fax:          (08) 9168 3447

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 current 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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