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March 2011 |
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OGAWA
e-newsletter is published at the beginning of each
month except January. For enquiries please contact
enews_editor@ogawa.org.au.
OGAWA has a new post office box address. OGAWA
Inc. PO Box 1512. Booragoon WA 6954 |
Hi everyone,
How are you and your garden's coping with all this heat? It's the humidity I can't stand. I suppose we can be thankful we don't have flooding or suffer from earthquakes. In saying that, we are prone to bushfires, as you are all aware of the devastation that the fires caused this month. The Roleystone group is holding a “How to prepare your property for the bushfire season” as their theme for this month's meeting. If you would like to attend see below in the Roleystone report for more details, worth going to.
Membership renewals have now changed. Instead of going from July – June every year, we are now offering a 12 month membership from the time to start, no matter what time of the year you renew your membership in e.g. If you renew in September then your membership expires September of the following year. Great news if you are like me and forget every year.
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GMO protest rally Burswood
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I attended the rally at Burswood Convention Centre on Wednesday 23rd February, in protest of the trial of GM Wheat here in W.A. We had a pretty good turn out. The ABC came down and did some filming; also I believe the West Australian was there as well. Well done to Maggie Lillith for organising it, great job.
A group of wonderful Organic people have organised a fundraising event for Steve Marsh and his family to help them fight Monsanto's farmer. It is going to be a great night, so please come along and support this great cause. We all need to pitch in and help save Organics in W.A. See details below.
That's about it for now.
Don't forget we have the Trust Organic Festival on the 2nd April at Subiaco Farmers markets from 8am to 1pm. If you want to know where to get all your Certified Organic Products, this is a great festival for you come along to. You can find out from each stall as to where you can buy their product in retail outlets around Perth. The chair of OFA will be attending again this year and sitting on our Panel discussions. Please visit our Web for more details
Stay cool and I will catch you all next month.
Cheers
Leesa Caldwell
www.thegreenhouseorganic.com. |
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Buyer Beware: Insist on ‘certified' when buying organic
“Only buy ‘certified organic'” is the key lesson that can be gleaned from Today Tonight's food scandal story according to peak organic body Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA).
BFA Director Dr Andrew Monk welcomes the findings, calling on consumers to always demand certified organic from retailers, market stalls or outlets to be sure of the integrity of organic claims.
“If produce does not display a certification logo, your retailer should be able to produce a certificate which provides you with details of the certifier and producer. This is a standard requirement of organic retailers,” said Dr Monk.
Source BFA Organic Monitor predicts more investment in European organic sector Organic Monitor predicts more investment in European organic sector ... Organic Monitor predicts an eight per cent rise of European organic food and drink sa...
Source: Foodnavigator
Food trends for 2011
From fresh food, fast food, and slow food, here are the top trends to look out for this year. Fresh Food 1. Artisan Foods Leave the discounting to the supermarkets – fresh food retailers in 2011 will benefit by focussing on the growth in high quality home cooking spurred by ... Read More http://www.onfood.com.au/Articles/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1514/Look-out-Food-trends-for-2011.aspx
Source Onfood
UK organic food makers launch marketing drive
UK organic food makers have launched a marketing campaign they hope will improve consumer understanding of the sector and boost sales. The three-year “Why I Love Organic” campaign, launched by sector body The Organic Trade Board (OTB), costs GBP2m (US$3.1m). Half the investment has been put up by the organic industry with the rest coming from the EU. The campaign, which aims to “democratise” the organic sector by getting consumers to talk about why they buy organic products,... Read more »
Source: Ausfoodnews
UK organic milk Ad uses rap music
Targeting younger people…The rap promo intends to entertain while educating viewers about ‘Living in harmony' and the Yeo Valley way of life.
http://www.yeovalleyorganic.co.uk/#/watch-the-ad
http://www.yeovalleyorganic.co.uk/watch-the-ad
Organic Olive producers
Draft EVOO Standards released for public comment
Contact John Rees, Executive Officer. West Australian Olive Council Inc.
PO Box 4262. Mosman Park South WA 6012
Tel: (08) 9385 3441 Email: admin@oliveswa.com.au
Low-strength and organic alcohol market to expand in China
According to Datamonitor's recently launched report, Market Insights: Alcoholic Beverage sales in China - the country which ranked number one globally in volume of alcoholic beverage sales in 2009 - are forecast to reach 61 billion litres in 2014, compared to 47 billion litres in 2009.Several factors have contributed to the immense growth of alcohol consumption in China. Among many, rising disposable incomes and resulting improved lifestyles are considered the most important. Others, such as... Read more »
Source Ausfoodnews
NASAA respond to WA GM contamination
NASAA have confirmed reports that longstanding WA grower, Steve Marsh, has recently been the victim of GM contamination despite his best efforts to avoid it. Following confirmation that the genetically manipulated (GM) canola plants have indeed contaminated Steve Marsh's certified organic farm from a neighbouring property, NASAA has decertified the affected portion of his farm (325 ha's) until it can be demonstrated that these areas are GM free. For future certification to be regained... Read more »
Source: Australian food news
Organic Labelling Logic
Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (2011) recommends organic standard should be referenced in the food standards code…extracts from the report below:
Recommendation 36: That Food Standards Australia New Zealand consider adopting, by reference in the Food Standards Code, values-based definitions and/or standards relating to specific food production methods and processes, if requested by industry, to achieve consistency of definitions.
6.23 The Panel considers the development of the Australian Standard AS 6000-2009 Organic and biodynamic products as an effective case of how a standard, which includes food labelling provisions, can be developed. In its submission, the ACCC reported that when developing the Standard: ‘Input was received from relevant stakeholder groups, including industry, consumers, retailers and regulators. As a result of the rigour and transparency of the drafting process, this standard is likely to be a useful reference point when determining whether a product is organic.'182 However, it is worth noting there is not full industry support of the new standard. Some argue that a competing standard National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce (2009, edn 3.4) is a more effective Standard. As one submission, critical of AS 6000 noted: ‘The Standards Australia Organic Standard has NO [sic] review process, nor a body which will host the Document, nor a body which will negotiate with International trading partners.'183 The Panel finds it disappointing that despite some years of effort and negotiation, unanimity on an agreed national standard does not appear to have been secured.
Source: Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy, DAFF
Steven McCoy
Development Officer, Organic Food and Farming
Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
Ph 08 9368 3960
Mb 0424 147 408
Fax 08 9368 3355 |
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| The Organic Association of Western Australia holds meetings in suburban and regional locations. Below is a list of some of our groups. Please contact the coordinator or e– mail Leesa for more information. |
| FREMANTLE |
OGA
Freo next meeting:
| when: |
10th March 7.30pm |
| where: |
The Meeting Place
245 South Terrace
South Fremantle |
| price: |
members free $5 non members |
| speaker: |
Joe from Tass1Tree |
| topic: |
Pruning fruit trees
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Joe from Tass1Tree will demonstrate pruning |
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Message from May-Ring |
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This year we were already busy in January. We have organized the screening of the movie "The World According to Monsanto" and had a full house. It was rather hot, but everybody sat through the 1:50 hrs. Maggie Lilith came and gave us an update of what is going on in the GMO world and how far WA has come with introducing it. We all enjoyed some good food afterwards and had lively discussions. All together $146.80 was given to us to be added to the Fighting Fund set up by NASAA to support Steve & Sue Marsh.
I would like to add a letter from Julie Newman here:
Not many realise what a hold Monsanto will have on our food and how governments have accepted little short of bribes to accept GM crops.
In West Australia, all of our public plant breeding institutes merged to form Intergrain which runs out of Murdoch University which is rumoured to receive donations from Monsanto to set up a biotechnology laboratory when the Federal government approved GM crops. Intergrain uses Monsanto's patented technologies (eg, promoter genes, techniques, equipment) free of charge in exchange for confidential contracts as does CSIRO. When WA state government approved GM crops, they were rewarded financially with a $10.5million investment by Monsanto in Intergain to own almost a 20% share with a stated plan to own at least 40% very soon.
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The problem is Intergain owns a current Plant Breeder Right (a minor patent allowing them to charge a user fee every year) over most of our wheat and barley varieties. A committee is currently permitted to remove older varieties that have expired PBR by collusion with grain buyers to pay less for these varieties. Intergrain has an exclusive selling arrangement with Nufarms fully owned subsidiary Nuseeds so Monsanto's Australian alliance partner (all Monsanto's Roundup in Australia is sold as Nufarm) will control our seed choice.
Future result will be that all farmers will be forced to grow the varieties that Intergain own and Monsanto will ensure that all these varieties will have a patented gene added to them which will effectively lock all farmers into being contract growers for Monsanto. Through GM contracts, Monsanto tells the farmer how to farm and farmers just do the work and pay the bills and take the risk. Farmers must deliver and sell to Monsanto's contracted alliance partners which will be the Monsanto, Cargill and Nufarm alliances.
The aim of course is that all food will be locked into Monsanto's supply chain and therefore, through contracts, Monsanto owns our food supply. This is not only happening in WA, it is global and is a global aim.
Regards, Julie Newman
For our February meeting we had Len Edwards from Vitalorganics talking about sustainability in mulching. The soil can be built up by using thick layer of mulch. The mulch keeps the soil and roots cool, which in turn helps to keep the moisture in the soil. Broken down mulch is then available to the soil bacteria and worms. Increase bio-activity in the soil helps improve water retention. Additionally we can use kelp as folia spray for extra nutrient for the plant. It was a very informative evening and many questions were asked.
We have a change of plans for March. The guest speaker on 10th March will be Joe from Tass1Tree. Joe is going to answer all questions regarding pruning. He might able to bring along a tree and show us how to do grafting. Should any of you like to hear about anything else concerning fruit trees please let me know and I will forward it to Joe. Hope to see you all in March. http://www.tass1trees.com.au/index.php
Future dates: Talk by Mark O'Connor ‘Can Permaculture survive Population Growth?' Debate and discussion. Wednesday 30th March at Christchurch Chapel. Will let you know the time as soon as I get the information.
Kind regards
May-Ring and Margaret
ogafreo@yahoo.com.au |
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| ROLEYSTONE |
OGA
Roleystone next meeting:
| when: |
9th March 2011 @ 7,30pm |
| where: |
Roleystone Family Centre |
| price: |
members free $3 non members |
| speaker: |
Chris Cairns |
| topic: |
Preparing in case of bushfire |
Preparing for bushfire talk. |
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Message from Lisa |
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How to Prepare Your Home and Property for Bushfires
The March meeting of Roleystone Organic Growers will be about how to prepare your home and property in case there is a bushfire. We should prepare our homes to survive a bushfire even if we intend to leave. A well prepared and constructed house is more likely to survive a bushfire than an unprepared one.
Chris Cairns from the Roleystone Volunteer Fire Brigade will be explaining to us the types of things that we can do to prepare our homes and properties. She will be discussing heights of vegetation to have near your home, clearing rubbish and flammable items, minimising ember damage, appropriate clothing to wear during a fire, and preventative measures such as wire flyscreens and covering evaporative coolers.
Chris has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has been in the Roleystone Volunteer Fire Brigade as a fire-fighter for 16 years, Bushfire Ready educator, part of the emergency response groups and been involved with Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness Program (JAFFA).
The meeting is on Wednesday March 9th at 7.30pm in the Roleystone Family Centre, 19 Wygonda Rd, Roleystone. Entry $3-members free. Enquiries to Lisa 9399 2312. |
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| MUNDARING |
OGA
Mundaring next meeting:
| when: |
8th March 7.30.pm |
| where: |
Bugle Tree Creek
Communication Centre,
Stoneville Road Mundaring |
| price: |
$3 |
| speaker: |
June Barkman |
| topic: |
growing and using herbs |
Growing and using herbs |
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Message from Ralph Darlington |
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Hello everyone,
These weather conditions are really testing, both us and our Gardens. I hope that all is as well as can be expected at your place.
Last month's meeting was well attended, our guest and speaker for the evening was Robyn Backhouse. Robyn is the founder and director of the company Positive Potential. Robyn spoke to us about the need to, and ways to, alkalise your body. Robyn told us that an acid body is not conducive to good health, but alkalising via correct food choices and drinking alkalised water will help to correct this problem. Robyn had various products and charts to show us.
Our next meeting is to be held at our usual meeting place on the evening of the 8th of March. This month's speaker is or own member June Barkman. June has professional knowledge of the growing of, and use of herbs in many situations.
Our next seed-in is on the 13th of March. We all meet to sow our winter Vege's in a social situation. This event is very popular as we get to know each other, and exchange seed and of course, much information of a gardening and social nature. A delicious morning tea rounds up a lovely morning.
Cheers,
Ralph Darlington. |
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| GWELUP |
OGA
Gwelup next meeting:
| when: |
meeting last Saturday of month |
| where: |
- phone for details |
| price: |
$3 |
| speaker: |
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| topic: |
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Jenny's pool |
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Message from Charles |
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The February meeting for the Gwelup group was held at Jenny and Dons house and again another scorching summer day , hey, I wrote this last year. I know, as I am using the template….., and while Jenny house might now be in Iluka the weather sure hasn't changed, and the gardens are suffering and we are all again chaffing at the bit for the cooler weather to come so we can get out into our neglected gardens.
We have two new members this month. Great to meet Nola and Anna, thanks for coming and bringing fresh ideas, questions and enthusiasm to the group. It’s wonderful to have new members as the whole interest levels rise, so please anyone reading this - North of the River – who are considering joining a group, please come along and join us.
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John started the round table discussion saying he had a bit of bad luck at the Cross Roads community garden with some crop loss. I think it’s very important for us to have involvement with schools and community gardens so we can teach people how to crop and eat firstly and then move onto growing their own. It’s a little disheartening to lose produce you have grown but at least if it goes to someone needy and they pick it sensibly the loss in easy to bear. John has also been busy watching the doves (rats of the sky) eating his green manure attempts, so we suggest covering your beds while seeds get sprouting.
We also heard that QLD fruit fly had been found in WA again, so everyone keep your eyes out and report any sightings. The difference can be seen here - http://sydney.edu.au/science/biology/fruit_fly/docs/AGWEST_FARMNOTE63_99.PDF
Nola told us about her setup in Vic Park (yes we are so good people travel from afar to join us). Unfortunately even from afar there were reports of eggplant and capsicum loss to the new pest Eggplant Caterpillar. Nola did say that Jap Eggplant was less susceptible though, so other than exclusion netting that is something to try. She also mentioned that she had been improving the soil around her citrus but although it is flowering well there is no fruit set. We talked about soil issues, pH’s effect on nutrient availability, have a look at this link for more info http://web1.msue.msu.edu/monroe/soilweb2/availability.pdf
Alan and Conny have also been battling what they now know is Eggplant Caterpillar, and we hadn't even started on Jenny’s ants. They have been cropping herbs and eggs, and demonstrated it with some tasty treats. It seems a common element for summer gardens and another great reason to have chooks as well as plants. They also have a new papaya to try and scare the others into producing or maybe even temp some cross pollination and fruit set. They also reported that the Diatomaceous Earth was sorting out the stick flees on the chooks. And while I thinking of that Jenny tested Diatomaceous earth in a worm farm to get rid of ants and other invading bugs, the worms where not effected after a week for anyone wondering.
I discussed the sad demise of a few on my rare European berries and Peruvian perennials, it is just too hot. The only positives to take away are that Papayas (pawpaw’s) and Arrowroot (QLD Cannas) are loving the heat. I have them in ground wicking beds and they are very happy in full midday sun. You might also like to try Climbing Malabar Spinach, and New Guinea Beans but sub tropic and more up to our heat than there European equivalents.
Anna comes from Carine, she is also waiting for the weather to break, seedling, leeks, broccoli, and others are geminating, while the beds outside sit under mulch and green manure protected from the summer. Unless you have lots of shadecloth and good water retentive soil this is the best option in summer.
The battle with Jenny’s coastal brown ants has taken all roads. After much discussion with others, and many trials, she was forced to use a stronger alternative. She has also got some Bentonite-E to trial which is meant to be non-basic (not pH increasing Bentonite). I need to do more research in the area as bentonite adds water retention to your soil, but it does have some side effects which need to be consider and managed. Once again the best thing you can put in your soil is compost, other minor amendments are needed, but organic material help balance pH, and all other nutrient availability.
NEXT MEETING
Still to be confirmed. Contact Charles for the details. charles@permaculturewest.org.au or 046663327 |
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| BROOME |
OGA
Broome next meeting:
| when: |
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| where: |
12 Mile Café |
| price: |
members free $3 non members |
| speaker: |
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| topic: |
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Message from Tan Fowler |
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Tan is unable to send a report due to computer outage!! Please contact Tan for information on the next meeting.
fusionherbs@westnet.com.au
Venue: 12 Mile Cafe
Address: Lot 20 Yamashita Rd, 12 Mile, Broome |
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Fresh Produce Report:
With all the crazy weather we are having around the country," we are very fortunate that the local season is in full swing and we really aren't feeling the pinch too much in terms of supplies or price.
Our record heatwave has taken it's toll on the greens however, with lettuce, silverbeet, chard and spinach being pretty hard to come by. The local tomatoes and zucchini, though have been excellent and even the pumpkin is local now.
It's getting closer to the end of stonefruit season (although the plums are sensational), but it's been a great year so it's hard to complain. Also new season apples and pears are now on the shelf and you never get over the excitement on crunching into the first apple of the year. All of the melons are on the shelf now, with the rockmelons in particular being really sweet eating.
Enjoy!
Lyndon McMath Shop 7, 299 Charles Street
North Perth WA 6006
p: (08) 9227 7755 f: (08) 9227 7711
www.organiconcharles.com.au |
Fruit and Veg at Organic on Charles
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Sourdough Bread
I've always enjoyed sourdough bread and wondered how easy it would be to make it. I came across a recipe in the 'Bourke Street Bakery' cookbook by Paul Allam & David McGuinness and decided to have a go!
I bought some biodynamic bakers flour from Absolutely Organic (using my OGAWA MDS discount card) and created a white starter 4 weeks ago. It is the same principle as the old ginger beer plant feeding it every day with flour and water. Once the starter is mature enough you can keep it in the fridge and feed every few days. When you want to make bread it is fed every 8 hours to strengthen the yeast.
The results have been good - especially delicious with organic butter! If you would like more information email me.
Sue Warrington |
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| Gardening report from Linda Mitchener from The Green Life Soil Co. |
Greetings again! Hopefully you are still enjoying the harvest of summer, and managing to stay cool – somehow!!! I am hoping as I write this in our end February heat wave that this may be summer's “last hurrah” and we might get a glimpse of milder, autumn conditions soon.
In the garden, it is a time of maintenance and contemplation. Now is the time to think about your autumn/winter garden; try to remember what you grew where last year (diaries come in handy for this) and what worked well. Look into crop rotation and start to devise a new, cunning plan for your garden beds for this year. It will soon be time to slash, pull up, compost and prepare beds in readiness.
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Plan your garden - look into plant rotation
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- Do you have enough compost and manure available?
- Can you source any manure, and compost it down in readiness to use?
- Compost dead leaves and shred prunings, ensuring piles have adequate moisture to keep them cooking.
- If your fruit trees are bearing, keep an eye on fallen or damaged fruit and dispose of it regularly to discourage fruit fly.
- Check on your worm farm regularly to check it isn't too dry.
- Give your leafy greens and other plants still producing a feed with fish emulsion to keep them producing as well as possible.
- Although many gardening books are advising planting out now, you need to take into account the weather and your local conditions. (We certainly won't be doing much until conditions improve up our way!)
So maybe put your feet up, flick through a gardening book or two for inspiration, and enjoy what's left of summer before it's time to get out there and get dirty again!
Until next time,
Linda Mitchener
The Green Life Soil Co. |
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19/20th March - Chilli Festival - The Esplanade - Fremantle (www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au)
2nd April - Trust Organic Festival - Subiaco Farmers Market, Bagot Road, Subiaco
7th-11th April - Garden Week - Perry Lakes (www.gardenweek.com.au)
17th 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) |
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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
"Introduction to Permaculture"
From Friday 18th March to Sunday 20th March.
For more details contact Sue on 0438 620348 or Karen on kjmckenzie@amnet.net.au
It's once again Introduction to Permaculture time!
Saturdays March 19th & 26th at Lockridge community garden
Two extraordinary days of gardening fun, community and permaculture possibilities...
"Permaculture is about creating intelligent, practical design approaches to all things sustainable 'n' systemic. In this two day workshop you will learn the basics of Permaculture design, philosophy and garden skills to match. You will leave with a tool kit for creating incredible edible landscapes and exciting new projects. A truly inspiring and wholesome experience set to green your fingers and bring your great ideas into fruit-ition!"
For more information contact Brooke ‘Sparkles” Murphy on 0406 449369
Organic Store for Sale - Established for nearly 3 Years, plentiful client base. Well known as reliable with competitive prices and friendly service. for more details contact 9399 9747 or 0417 685396
Expressions of Interest in a Semi-Rural Self-Sufficiency Eco Development. To learn more contact Sally on 9302 2563 or sal.gt@westnet.com.au |
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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 |
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